Wild finish as 30-year-old underdog stuns McIlroy in maiden PGA win
30-year-old Kurt Kitayama has claimed his first-ever PGA Tour win with a stunning victory at the $20m USD Arnold Palmer Invitational, beating Rory McIlroy by one shot in a stunning boilover.
Kitayama turned professional in 2015, but in his 50th tournament the American finally claimed his maiden victory in sensational fashion, with a host of the world’s top players breathing down his neck throughout the final round.
A clutch 14-foot birdie putt on 17 gave him a one-shot lead entering the final hole at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando Florida.
From 191 yards in the rough, Kitayama landed a sensational approach shot onto the green.
He only needed to two-putt for victory, but his 47-foot attempt was almost perfectly struck – ending up teetering on the edge of the cup.
Even McIlroy was left in disbelief as he watched on, shaking his head that the ball didn’t fall.
Remarkably, Kitayama had suffered a triple bogey on the ninth hole while leading, before fighting back to win, making him the first player since 1983 to win despite a triple bogey or worse in the final round.
His even-par final round saw him finish nine-under overall.
The victory earns him $3.6m USD, nearly as much as his previous career earnings of $4,194,548 USD. It also rockets him up 33 spots on the FedExCup hunt into sixth place ahead of the Players Championship this week.
Harris English was tied with McIlroy one shot back on eight under, with world number two and defending champion Scottie Scheffler, 2020 champion Tyrrell Hatton, Jordan Spieth, and Patrick Cantlay all one shot further back. Australia’s Jason Day was equal tenth on five under overall.
“It was really hard. I’m going to sleep really well tonight. It’s everything I kind of mentally prepared myself for,” said Kitayama.
“I’ve always dreamed of winning on the Tour and to finally do it, it’s pretty amazing.”
McIlroy said: “Disappointment, obviously. I feel like I gave myself a great chance … It was a battle all day, I felt like I hung in there really well but just came up one short.”
SOURCE: [FOXSPORTS.COM]
March Greetings Heather Downs Patrons,
Rain, rain, go away! The recent rains have delayed play at Heather Downs CC. We hope to get dried out this weekend and hopefully get some play out next week. The month of March will bring all types of weather, so stay patient and we hope to see you real soon.
As we move towards the first day of Spring, Heather Downs is gearing up for what we expect to be a fantastic year. We have several new programs that are starting in April and May. Playing opportunities, driving range offers, instructional programs and new food offerings at Bogey’s Bar and Grill are just a few of the improvements we have made for the upcoming season. Please read below to see each of the programs.
Friday Fish Fry
Heather Downs CC will be hosting a weekly Friday Fish Fry from 5pm-8pm at Bogeys Bar & Grill. Grab the family and make it over for a nice dinner. The cost is only $12.95. Chef Chuck will be cooking up a fresh Alaskan Pollock dinner with all the fixings. Spread the word and we hope to see you on Friday nights during Lent.
Employment Opportunities/Help Wanted!!!
Heather Downs is now accepting job applications for the upcoming season. We are looking for candidates for Banquet servers and kitchen staff, Pro Shop staff, Bartenders, Beverage Cart Attendants, Player Assistants, Cart Attendants and Maintenance staff. We are seeking friendly and energetic applicants who enjoy working with the public. Stop by the course to fill out an application or you can click here and find one on our Contact Page.
2023 Golf Leagues
Heather Downs CC is now booking golf leagues for the 2023 season. Are you happy with your current league? Are you looking for a new course for this year? Maybe it’s just time for a change. Whether you are an individual, have a partner or you’re forming a small group looking to start a league, Heather Downs can help you. We offer several nice incentives and benefits for our league members throughout the season. The course layout at Heather Downs speaks for itself, the Bogey’s Bar & Grill offers a great staff and a tasty menu for pre and post-round F & B needs, the pace of play is never an issue and the location is perfect for anyone in a 20 mile radius. Give us a call today at 419-385-0248 or click here and we’ll discuss the many benefits Heather Downs CC will offer your league in 2023.
2023 Golf Outings
Prime dates and times are still available for 2023 golf outings. If you are interested in hosting a company or group outing this season, Heather Downs is ‘Where You Belong’. We offer one of the best golf courses in town, a beautiful clubhouse and banquet facility, and the staff and know how to make your event, one to remember. Call PGA Director of Golf, Dan Sutton at 419-385-0248 to schedule your outing today or click here to make an outing request.
Free Junior Golf Clinic & Spring Junior Academy
Heather Downs will be hosting a Free Junior Golf Clinic on Saturday, April 15th for all junior golfers in the area. This clinic will include lessons on putting, chipping, the irons and the driver. Juniors age 10 and under will meet from 9am-10:30, ages 11 and older will meet from 11am-12:30. Instruction will be led by PGA Director of Golf, Dan Sutton and Assistant Professional, Darren Axon. Although this clinic is free, please call the pro shop to register at 419-385-0248. This clinic is a prelude to the Spring Junior Academy which runs from Saturday April 22nd-May 13th. Call the pro shop for additional information or click here to view the flyer and registration form.
Monday Senior Scrambles
The HDCC Senior League will be held every Monday mornings at 10am starting Monday April 3rd. The format will change from week to week and include 2 Man, 3 Man and 4 Man scrambles. The cost is only $30/week. Bring a friend or come on your own. We’ll pair you up. No long term commitment, just ‘Pay as you Play’. Call the pro shop for more information or click here.
The Hackers Golf League
Heather Downs will be hosting the Hackers Golf League again this season. The Hackers League will be held on Tuesday evenings at 6pm. The cost is only $25/week. Bring a friend or come on your own. We’ll pair you up. No long term commitment, just ‘Pay as you Play’. Click here or call the pro shop for more information.
Ladies and Couples Golf Leagues
Heather Downs will be hosting two great leagues for ladies and couples this season. The HDCC Ladies League will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6pm starting May 2nd and May 4th at 6pm. This league is a fun ‘Girls Night Out’. The format rotates between stroke play and scrambles. This league is also perfect for busy ladies in that it is ‘Pay as you Play’. No need to commit, just show up whenever you can. The cost is $25 which includes golf, cart and prizes. Grab a friend or a golf buddy and we’ll look forward to seeing you on Tuesdays and Thursdays this season. Click here for more info.
The HDCC ‘Nine & Dine’ Couples Leagues are scheduled to tee off on Sundays at 4pm and Monday at 6pm starting April 30th and May 1st. This league is also ‘Pay as you Play’. Just show up when you and your significant other feel like playing and join other couples for a round of golf and a bite to eat afterwards. The format changes from week to week and will include stroke play, match play, scrambles, shambles, scotch twosomes and more. The cost is $50/couple each week which includes green fees, carts and prizes. After the round, join us at the Bogey’s Bar and Grill for drinks and a sandwich. Call the pro shop to register or click here for additional information.
Ladies and Adult Golf Academy
Heather Downs is offering the several new golf clinics this season. The Ladies Golf Academy is set to tee off on Tuesday, April 18th and the Adult Golf Academy is scheduled for Monday, April 17th.
Each Academy is a seven week program which includes four weeks of instruction, one on-course playing lesson and two 9 hole rounds. During the Academy, instruction will include lessons on the woods, iron play, short game, chipping, putting, sand shots, the rules of golf and golf course etiquette. The Ladies and Adult Golf Academy are offered at different dates throughout the season. Click here for additional information or call the pro shop to register. Sign up individually or bring a friend. Class size is limited, so sign up soon.
Is it time for a little Spring Training?
If you are searching for an answer to your golfing blues, call PGA Director of Golf, Dan Sutton or Assistant Professional, Darren Axon to get you game up to par. Individual lessons are offered seven days a week. We focus on making improvements to your swing mechanics and we will teach you how to become your own golf coach. Set some goals for your golf game this year and call us to help you turn your game around and lower your scores. Click here for additional information or to make a Lesson Request.
For information on these programs plus a bunch more, go to www.heatherdowns.com.
That’s all for this week. Until next week, hit ‘em straight.
Chris Kirk wins Honda Classic in playoff; 1st title since 2015
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Chris Kirk waited nearly eight years to win a PGA Tour event again. Waiting one more hole on Sunday was no problem.
Kirk stuck his approach to the par-5 18th to tap-in range, and his birdie on the first hole of a playoff lifted him past Eric Cole for the victory at the Honda Classic on Sunday.
Cole had a chance, playing his third shot from the sand to just outside of 10 feet for a birdie that would have extended the playoff. But it lipped out, and Kirk nudged his ball in for his fifth career win -- his first since prevailing at Colonial in 2015.
"I was obviously very, very nervous today having not won in so long," Kirk said. "Coming down the stretch, I felt good."
And he'll be the last Honda winner. The car company is ending its title sponsorship of the event after 42 years, with a new sponsor set to be in place -- the PGA Tour hopes, anyway -- in the coming weeks.
They finished 72 holes tied at 14-under 266, Kirk shooting 69 on Sunday, Cole shooting 67.
Kirk earned $1,512,000 for the win, and is now eligible to play the Masters again for the first time since 2016. Cole earned $915,600 for the runner-up finish, a check that more than doubles what the 34-year-old has earned in 14 previous tour starts.
"I loved it. It was a lot of fun," Cole said. "I can't wait to get back and do it again. I didn't have my best stuff today, and I was proud of how hard I fought."
Kirk went to the par-5 18th with a one-shot lead. His tee shot found the fairway. His second shot found the water, leading to bogey. Cole made par, giving Kirk new life in the playoff.
"Bad swing at the wrong time. ... Thank God it worked out," Kirk said.
Kirk hadn't held a trophy since 2015. That's not to say he hasn't done any winning in that span.
He walked away from the game in May 2019 because of alcoholism and depression. He dealt with anxiety and struggled with handling pressure, even though he had a penchant for making it seem like no big deal on the golf course -- he was a four-time winner, plus made a big putt to help the U.S. win the Presidents Cup at South Korea in 2015.
The tour gave him a major medical extension for the time he missed, meaning he had a set number of tournaments to do well enough to regain his full status. He got it back by the slimmest of margins at the Sony Open in 2021.
And now he's a champion again.
"I just have so much to be thankful for," Kirk said. "I'm so grateful for my sobriety, I'm so grateful for my family, I'm so grateful for everyone that has supported throughout the past three or four years."
Tyler Duncan, ranked No. 360 in the world coming into the week, shot 66 on Sunday and was third at 12 under. Monday qualifier Ryan Gerard, playing the weekend for the first time on the PGA Tour, shot 67 and finished fourth at 10 under.
Gerard's career earnings on tour went from $0 to $411,600. His plans for the next few weeks might be changing based on this finish.
"I've got to go book some flights and hotel rooms, swipe the credit card," said Gerard, who came into the week ranked 472nd in the world. "We'll see what happens."
Defending champion Sepp Straka (68) was in a group tied for ninth at 9 under, with all four of his rounds in the 60's. Also in that group: Shane Lowry, who had a chance to win the Honda last year and finished with an even-par 70.
"I played lovely, and I just couldn't get it going," Lowry said.
SOURCE [ESPN.com]
Justin Rose ends four-year drought with win at 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Justin Rose is starting to make an early case for the 2023 Ryder Cup.
The former World No. 1 ended a four-year winless drought Monday with his three-shot win at the 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am after a wild week of the weather delayed the PGA Tour’s annual stop on the Monterey Peninsula.
Rose completed his final-round front nine before play was called due to darkness Sunday night and began Monday morning with a two-shot lead at 15 under. The 42-year-old Englishman cruised to three birdies over his final nine to sign for a 6-under 66 and finish at 18 under for the tournament, three clear of Brendon Todd (65) and Brandon Wu (66), who finished T-2 at 15 under. Keith Mitchell (68) and Peter Malnati (69) finished T-4 at 14 under.
“I think overall, if I had to think about one thing it was just knowing I’m trending, just sometimes when you’re trending you kind of try a little too hard,” said Rose of the win, the 11th of his PGA Tour career. “I let my good golf come forward.”
A five-time member of Team Europe at the Ryder Cup, Rose has struggled to get in the mix over the last few years. Before Monday his last victory came at the 2019 Farmers Insurance Open, but Rose has been rounding back into form so far in the early goings of the 2022-23 PGA Tour season. The 2013 U.S. Open champion has finished inside the top 30 in five of six starts but did post a T-9 at the Cadence Bank Houston Open. With the European squad fractured due to key members joining LIV Golf, the re-emergence of Rose could be key come time for the matches this fall in Italy.
“One thing I have realized is obviously I haven’t been playing enough great golf,” he explained, “but when I do play half decent I do give myself chances to win.”
Source:golfweek
