Watney was unfortunate not to force a play-off with Phil Mickelson at the same event two years ago and crumbled on the final day of last year's USPGA Championship when leading after Day 3.
But the 29-year-old's victory at the TPC Blue Monster on Sunday might turn out to be a pivotal day in his career after he carded a closing 67 to win the title by two strokes from compatriot Dustin Johnson.
What was so impressive about his performance was the way he remained unfazed on the few occasions he found trouble. Recovery shots from off the fairways and a crucial couple of clutch par putts on the back nine were greeted with ever more powerful fist pumps as Watney clearly understood the significance of his achievements.
And despite double-bogeying the par-4 18th on Day 3, the man from Sacramento played the last hole to perfection on Day 4 - hitting the green in regulation before rolling in a 13-foot birdie putt for a two-stroke cushion.
It was brave, but intelligent, golf from Watney as Johnson was following and had to eagle the last hole to force a tie. He made a valid attempt, but his second shot finished a few feet to the left of the pin.
Watney's victory moves him up to 15th in the Official World Golf Rankings from 31st, while Johnson moves up to 11th.
THE TOP FIVE
| 1 - Nick Watney (USA) | -15 (67 70 68 67 - 272) | $1,400,000 | ||
| 2 - Dustin Johnson (USA) | -14 (69 69 65 71 - 274) | $850,000 | ||
| T3 - Anders Hansen (Den) | -13 (71 69 68 67 - 275) | $465,000 | ||
| T3 - Francesco Molinari (Ita) | -13 (68 68 70 69 - 275) | $465,000 | ||
| 5 - Matt Kuchar (USA) | -12 (68 69 68 71 - 276) | $350,000 |
No comments:
Post a Comment