Kodaira becomes just the fifth Japanese player to win on the PGA Tour
Ian Poulter Fades As Satoshi Kodaira Wins RBC Heritage
Satoshi Kodaira became just the fifth Japanese golfer to win on the PGA Tour after victory at the RBC Heritage.
The 28-year-old beat Si Woo Kim on the third playoff hole at Harbour Town after Kim spurned a couple of great chances late on in regulation.
Related: Satoshi Kodaira What's in the bag? - RBC Heritage winning clubs
Kodaira holed a 25 footer on the par-3 17th, the third playoff hole, to win his biggest title to date.
The six-time Japan Golf Tour winner moves up to a career-high of 27th in the world and is now a PGA Tour member.
“This is a stage I’ve been dreaming about,” Kodaira said after victory.
“And having this opportunity to play [the PGA Tour] fulltime is a dream come true."
Related: How to get tickets for the 2019 Masters
Kodaira made the press room laugh with his answer to the question about his new plaid jacket.
“I will probably not wear it regularly,” he said through an interpreter. “But this is special.”
Kodaira's final day highlights:
Ian Poulter was looking for his second PGA Tour victory in three starts and held the lead after 54 holes in what was his sixth straight week out on Tour.
He came home in 40 to sign for a 75 and end in a tie for 7th, three strokes back of the playoff. A level par 71 would have been enough for victory.
Related: Tiger Woods' backup putter sells for $44k
RBC Heritage leaderboard:
1 Satoshi Kodaira -12
2 Si Woo Kim -12
T3 Bryson DeChambeau -11
T3 Luke List -11
T5 Billy Horschel -10
T5 Webb Simpson -10
T7 Byeong Hun An -9
T7 Patrick Cantlay -9
T7 Bill Haas -9
T7 Chesson Hadley -9
T7 Kevin Kisner -9
T7 Ian Poulter -9
T7 Kevin Streelman -9
*Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage
-
'A Natural Fit' - Tiger Woods Backs Keegan Bradley US Ryder CaptaincyThe 15-time Major winner made his remarks during an appearance in the NBC Sports broadcasting booth in the final round of the Hero World Challenge
-
Scottie Scheffler Set To Overtake Six-Time Major Winner For Consecutive Weeks As World No.1The 28-year-old will soon reach 82 weeks at the top of the world rankings, overtaking Nick Faldo
-
James Nitties Facts: 24 Things You Didn't Know About The Australian Broadcaster And Former ProDiscover more about former professional golfer and current broadcaster, James Nitties via these facts regarding his life and career so far...
-
What Are Xander Schauffele's Stock Yardages?The American enjoyed a phenomenal 2024, picking up two Major scalps in the process. Here, we take a look at how far he hits every club in the bag
-
Nate Lashley Facts: 15 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour ProNate Lashley has faced tragedy and triumph during his life and career - here are 15 facts about the PGA Tour star
-
Rico Hoey Facts: 15 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour GolferRico Hoey has two wins as a professional and plays on the PGA Tour - here are some facts you may not know about the American-Filipino golfer
-
PGA Tour Money List 2024: How Much The Top Earners MadeScottie Scheffler topped the 2024 PGA Tour Official Money List, with the average winnings for the season listed as just under $2m
-
How Can I Play Black Desert Resort? And How Much Is A Green Fee?Black Desert Resort is the newest PGA Tour venue and such a stunning course is sure to attract plenty of attention. But how do you play it and how much would it cost? Here, we take a look
-
Wenyi Ding Facts: 14 Things To Know About The Chinese GolferAfter a stellar college career Wenyi Ding is set to join the pros, get to know him more with our 12 facts
-
Mason Andersen Facts: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour ProMason Andersen only turned professional in 2022, but he already has a win and a PGA Tour card - here are 10 things to know about the American
