South Africa’s Rory Sabbatini victorious at the Honda Classic of the PGA Tour
The four-day event of Honda Classic backed by Professional Golfer’s Association Tour finally concluded yesterday at the tough par-70, Spa-Champion golf course in Florida. It was Rory Sabbatini of South Africa who took charge on the second day and maintained
his lead throughout the next three days to lift the championship trophy.
Sabbatini won by a mere margin of just one stroke over Y.E. Yang of Korea. Rory was a bit under pressure by the critics before the final round commenced, but he made it through to the final 18 holes to top the leader board and mark his sixth PGA Tour victory.
Rory has been playing on the PGA Tour for a long time and has loads of experience on his shoulders. The 34-year-old, had two birdies followed by two bogeys during his final round of even-par, 70. Before the round started, the South African was confident
that he would card another under-par round. This much awaited win came after almost a time span of two years. He was overwhelmed with his play during the four rounds and celebrated the moment of joy with his family. Rory ended up with a four-round aggregate
score of nine-under par, 271.
As was expected, only one player, Yang from Korea was among the contenders to match the winner’s score to enable a play-off. Yang had a fantastic round of four-under par, 66 but it was not enough for him to go in a play-off situation. The Korean had five
birdies and a lone bogey on his card. The only bogey came on the par-4, 2nd where he missed his approach shot to the green. The bogey at the end of the day turned out to be a costly one, as he had to be content with the second slot. He had a total
aggregate score of eight-under par, 272.
The joyous winner Rory after his round said, "I was lucky that I had a lead of five strokes starting the final round. I knew that a round of even-par was enough for me to be victorious on the final day. "
American Jerry Kelly was also in contention of the final day, as he carded a rather moderate round of three-under par, 67 with a total aggregate score of seven-under par, 273. Kelly had five birdies on the final day and was looking in great shape. The only
two drop shots came on the par-3, 7th and par-4, 14th where he made two bogeys.
Highlight of the final round was Graeme McDowell who carded a superb round of six-under par, 64. He was flawless with his iron shots and everything was going his way. McDowell had a bogey free round and there were six birdies marked on his card. The Irishman
finished tied at the sixth spot and had a total score of two-under par, 278.
The world number two, Lee Westwood had an opportunity in this tournament of regaining his number one ranking. Westwood was not in a great shape throughout the four days and ended up with a total score of four-over par, 284. This means that Martin Kaymer
will retain his number one ranking for the next tournament.
Sabattini, in a prize distribution lifted the trophy and captured the winner’s cheque of 1.08-million-dollars. He also improved his world ranking and moved among the top-64.
Tags: