Chris Kirk makes late birdie to take PGA Tour season opener at Kapalua
Chris Kirk continues his inspiring comeback
KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Nearly a year after Chris Kirk made it all the way back by winning, he took another big step Sunday with a clutch 5-iron to 2 feet for birdie on the 17th hole that led to an 8-under 65 and a one-shot victory in The Sentry.
It was the third straight year the winner at Kapalua posted a Sunday round of 8 under or better, and Kirk required no less to win the PGA Tour's season opener.
Sahith Theegala and Jordan Spieth each caught up to him on the back nine of another surprisingly calm day.
Theegala missed a 10-foot birdie chance on the par-5 closing hole and shot 63. Spieth, whose tee shot on the 16th plugged under the lip of a bunker and led to a most untimely bogey, missed a 15-foot eagle putt on the 18th and shot 65 to finish a further shot back.
