Zach Johnson finished the event at 19-under-par 273 and earn his 11th US PGA Tour title. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The American tied Billy Horschel for the low round of the day to win the US PGA Tour tournament by one shot.
“Today [Monday] was a grind but I felt at ease,” Johnson said. "I was comfortable. Yesterday, I didn’t score that well.
“Today I just tried to stay unemotional and remain athletic.”
Jordan Spieth, who is the reigning Tour rookie of the year, shot 69 and took second place at 18-under 274. Spieth shared the overnight lead with Dustin Johnson and Webb Simpson.
Zach Johnson finished the event at 19-under-par 273 and earn his 11th US PGA Tour title. Johnson said his putting was the key.
“I hit some quality shots that helped and some quality putts that helped even more,” said Johnson. “The key is to just keep doing what you are doing.”
Former US Open winner Simpson carded a 70 and tied for third at minus-17. He finished alongside Kevin Streelman, who birdied four of his last five holes for a final-round 67.
Jason Dufner (69) grabbed fifth at 15-under, while Dustin Johnson (73), Adam Scott (69), Matt Kuchar (67) and Horschel shared sixth at minus-14.
Spieth had a bogey-free round on Monday that included four birdies. He closed with consecutive birdies on 17 and 18.
“I want to put myself in these positions because it was fun today,” said Spieth. “It is fun to feel the pressure and put your name beside some of the best players in the world on the leaderboard.”
The Kapalua event, which is comprised of the winners from the previous season, was the first tournament on the US PGA Tour after an extended break. Because of the Tour’s new wraparound schedule it is also the seventh event of the 2013-14 season.
The Tour remains in the Aloha State next week for the Sony Open in Hawaii, which Russell Henley won in 2013.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2014.
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