DUBLIN (Ohio) — Denny McCarthy was never so close to winning a PGA Tour race as he was on Sunday.
It did not make the disappointment of not being able to close the deal any less painful.
McCarthy, who led the 2023 Memorial tournament for the majority of the final round before bogeying the 18th twice in regulation and in the playoff to tie Viktor Hovland with 7 under par.
“I’m heartbroken right now,” McCarthy said. It’s really bad. “I thought this would be the week.”
McCarthy is 30 years old and has participated in 157 PGA Tour tournaments. Before Sunday, he had never placed higher than third.
He said, “I felt nothing could stop me today as I was making par putts.” “Yeah it’s a bummer because I haven’t been this close to the front door to knock it off.” But I have put myself in positions where I could win many times and it still hasn’t occurred.
McCarthy is a top-notch putter, and his skill helped him rise to the top of an crowded leaderboard. He made a 22-foot birdie putt on No. He birdied putts of 9 and 13 feet to gain the lead and tie Rory McIlroy for the lead. Par putts at 11, 13 1/2, and 8 feet kept him in the leading position.
McCarthy stated, “That’s my strength.” “I can see the greens very well. Last year I tied for fifth place. I enjoy playing on hard golf courses. It’s not just that I’m good at putting, it’s also my attitude. It’s like basketball defense. I feel I can make each putt. It’s great to feel that way, especially as you near the finish line.
Then came the No. 18. Hovland had birdied the No. McCarthy’s tee-shot went into the rough, and he then lay up in order to avoid disaster on the 18th green. He missed his putt after leaving the short shot at 23 feet.
McCarthy was again in the rough during the playoff. His second shot was a little short of the green, rolled down a hill and stopped just 44 yards away from the cup. He chipped in with 11 feet and 9 inches. This par putt was a little off to the left.
McCarthy said that the shot in the playoff hole looked as if it would go in.
Hovland made his par-putt from just below 7 feet, relegating McCarthy to the runner-up position.
McCarthy said, “I enjoy being in the moment.” McCarthy said, “That is exactly why I play golf.” I felt comfortable, even though I was nervous.
“I enjoy the competitive aspect when it becomes uncomfortable. How do you control it? How do you control your emotions? This can only benefit me. I don’t remember the last time I felt so pumped up. I’ll try to learn from this experience and improve.”
