PGA TOUR
Charles Schwab Challenge
Kokrak Outlasts Spieth to Win Charles Schwab Challenge
Jason Kokrak held on to win the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Golf Club in Texas. However, it was a battle at Fort Worth!
The 36-year-old American was paired with crowd favourite Jordan Spieth in the final group on Sunday. Kokrak scored a two-shot victory with an even par round of 70. Spieth closed with a disappointing 3-over 73. Both players struggled to find their A-game!
Kokrak began the final round at 14-under. He was one shot behind overnight leader Spieth and four shots clear of Sergio Garcia, who was in outright third place. Garcia never threatened to close the gap with the leaders. The final round was a two-man race! Kokrak had to overcome Spieth, who returned to the winner’s circle two weeks ago after winning the Valero Texas Open. The long-hitter from Ohio also had to contend with the amorous gallery, which was pulling hard for Spieth—their home state ideal.
Kokrak, who turned professional in 2008, made two early bogeys at the 1st and 4th holes before bounce back birdies at the 5th and 6th holes. He made the turn with an even par 35 and held the share of the lead with Spieth at 14-under. At the par 5, 11th hole, Kokrak made a birdie to open a one shot lead. He then doubled that lead at the 13th hole to two shots after pouring in a birdie putt from 17 feet. Both players made a bogey at the 15th hole before Kokrak dropped another shot at the 16th hole—the margin tightened to one shot. Drama was building as Kokrak faced a seven-foot putt for par at the 17th hole. He made the clutch par putt to avoid three straight bogeys and held a narrow on shot lead over Spieth going down the 18th hole. More drama followed at the final hole with Spieth pulling his second shot into the water hazard beside the green. Kokrak followed Spieth’s errant shot with a safe approach shot to the final green. And, with two putts into the hole for a par, he pulled away for a two-shot victory. He finished at 14-under.
With his win, Kokrak becomes the third player this season to collect multiple PGA Tour wins. He joins Bryson DeChambeau and Stewart Cink. Earlier this PGA Tour season, Kokrak won the CJ Cup. He earned that maiden Tour victory in his 232nd start. His second PGA Tour title came in 17 starts.
Spieth finished at 12-under and in second place. It is the third time he has been runner up at Colonial. He won the event in 2016. The 27-year-old went bogey-free through the first 40 holes this week. The world No. 28 advances to 2nd place on the FedExCup standings.
Garcia, who started the day with an outside chance to catch the leaders, signed for a disastrous 6-over 76 to fall, back to a tie for 20th place. The 41-year-old Spaniard was celebrating the 20th anniversary of his win here, which was his maiden PGA Tour victory.
Four players—Charley Hoffman, Patton Kizzire, Sebastian Munoz and Ian Poulter—finished in a share of 3rd place at 10-under. Hoffman closed with a superb 5-under 65—it was the equal best final round score. He now owns five top 10s this season. Fellow American Kizzire scored his 5th top 10 of the season after producing a final round 3-under 67. The 35-year-old matched his best finish this year. Colombia’s Sebastian Munoz carded a final round 2-under 68. And, England’s ian Poulter binned a 30 foot birdie putt at the final green for a final round 2-under 68. It was the 45-year-old’s best finish on the PGA Tour this season.
Cam Davis was the only Australian to make the weekend. He finished at 1-under and in a tie for 45th place.
PGA Champion Phil Mickelson made a bogey at his final hole in round two to miss the cut by one shot.
The PGA Tour moves to ‘Jack’s Place’ for the Memorial Tournament. Jon Rahm will defend his title at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio.
Final Scores
Charles Schwab Challenge
1. Jason Kokrak -14
2. Jordan Spieth -12
T3. Charley Hoffman -10
T3. Patton Kizzire -10
T3. Sebastian Munoz -10
T3. Ian Poulter -10
7. Troy Merritt -7
Australians
T45. Cam Davis
MC. Matt Jones
MC. Cameron Percy
Photo credit: Tom Pennington /Getty Images
