Jim Furyk wins PGA Grand Slam of Golf
Jim Furyk edges out Padraig Harrington in play-off to claim PGA Grand Slam
PGA Grand Slam of Golf Final Round
Jim Furyk collected his second PGA Grand Slam of Golf in an epic final round yesterday that saw him overcome Padraig Harrington in a play-off.
Furyk, birdied the final hole to get into a sudden-death decider, then to eagle the same hole in the play-off saw off Harrington in style.
The sublime finish of the American stunned Harrington, the recently crowned PGA Player of the Year.
Furyk claimed the £350,000 winners prize that denied the Irishman from his second opportunity to obtain victory at the exclusive event.
The Play-off saw both Furyk and Harrington face eagle putts. Harrington was over zealous to say the least with his effort hitting the back of the cup and resting a few feet from the hole, which enabled the American to capitalize on his miss and calmly roll in his 8-footer for an eagle, and the win.
Harrington only the fourth player to achieve the British Open and the PGA Championship in the same calendar year was looking to cap a miraculous achievement with victory at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf that just escaped him last year.
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Furyk, an invitee due to the US Open Champion Tiger Woods being forced out with a knee injury, took full advantage of the privilege to participate in the World’s most exclusive golfing tournament.
Retief Goosen, two-time US Open Champion who participated in the event under special invitation, began the day two shots back of the lead being held by Furyk and Harrington. But, Goosen who had changed his putter after an irritating day on the greens on Tuesday began by birdieing three of the opening four holes that catapulted him into a three-way tie for the lead. A double bogey six at the par-4 12th saw Goosen fall out of contention for the title.
Trevor Immelman who started the day eight shots back was never in contention for the title during the final round, still executed one of the shots of the tournament at the 357-yard, par-4 14th where he blasted his drive that eventually finished just 4-feet from the hole. After tapping in his putt for eagle, he raised his arms with amusement.
Champion Furyk said he was glad to obtain a solid victory here, as his season has not been a particularly strong one for his standards.