Chris Kirk is now free to go.
Kirk rode a second round 62 into Saturday’s weekend. He slept on a lead of two shots, 54 holes, Saturday night, and survived a playoff against rookie Eric Cole to win the fifth time on PGA Tour. This was his first victory in eight years.
Kirk won his first win since 2015 Charles Schwab Challenge. He also received an invitation to the Masters Tournament.
The final hole was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Kirk faced a second shot on the fairway at 257 yards. He pushed his ball left and couldn’t help but watch as the ball bounced off the retaining walls and crashed into the blue Honda SUV.
Kirk put the par-5 last after a drop and wedge on for a 69.
Cole, however, missed the 18th fairway and was left with a long, burnt chip that he had to cross the fairway for his third. He then saved par to force him to play an extra round.
Kirk replayed 18 again and, with his third shot with a 60-degree wedge he stuffed his approach spinning it back to with one foot.
Cole’s third shot was taken from the bunker behind green. He left it approximately 10 feet to the right. His putt was unable to reach the green and he needed to make birdie. Kirk then hit his birdie putt and claimed the win.
Cole, who had the shot-of-the-day on the par-3 5th hole, claimed a share in the lead. He made a 70-foot double-breaking putt.
To tie the lead, go 70 feet!
Chris Kirk, a 34-year-old rookie, is joined by Eric Cole at the top of the leaderboard @TheHondaClassic. pic.twitter.com/vtXh7q8tbf
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR February 26, 2023
Kirk was T-3 at the Sony Open Hawaii earlier this year and Solo Third at the American Express.
Tyler Duncan finished solo third at 12 over. Ryan Gerard, Monday qualifier at 12 under, was alone fourth at 10 below. This earned him a spot next week in the Puerto Rico Open. Next week, Orlando will host the Arnold Palmer Invitational. This is a designated event.
