PGA Tour Championship: Viktor Hovland of Norway displayed incredible composure to hold off Scottie Scheffler’s determined challenge and successfully defend his Hero World Challenge championship in the Bahamas.
When Hovland dragged his second shot from a tricky lie on the edge of a bunker into the water on the final hole, he was in danger of blowing a two-shot lead. However, the Ryder Cup star got up and down to save an unusual bogey.
Hovland celebrated an unexpectedly dramatic two-shot victory on 16 under par as Scheffler bogeyed the 18th when his chip from a waste bunker hit the edge of the ball and raced 15 feet beyond.
After a final 69, Hovland told NBC, “It’s freaking nerve-racking.”
“After the turn, I remember I was up by five. On the back nine, I didn’t play as well, but it was still acceptable. I suppose it made things a little bit more exciting.”
Scheffler briefly shared the lead after making birdies on the second and fourth holes before chipping in for an eagle on the sixth. Scheffler needed to win to recover the top spot in the global rankings from Rory McIlroy.
Scheffler’s chances appeared to be gone after making bogey on the seventh and double bogey on the par-five ninth, but playing partner Hovland holed from 20 feet on the same hole to retake the lead.
Scheffler didn’t let up and birdied the 11th, 14th, 15th, and 16th holes to keep up the pressure, which nearly paid off on the 18th. Scheffler is the reigning Masters champion.
In the limited-field competition, Hovland is the only player to have won back-to-back championships, joining tournament host Tiger Woods (2006–07).
Hovland grinned and added, “That’s really bad-ass.” “I’m just relieved that he missed the previous two seasons. But it takes something incredibly unique to win his tournament.”
Woods withdrew on Monday due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot. He was scheduled to play at Albany for the first time since missing the cut at the Open Championship in July.
The 15-time major champion also hinted during his press conference on Tuesday that he had undergone “a couple of surgeries” this year as a result of returning to competition after a serious car accident in February 2021, though he would not provide any further information.
Woods still intends to compete with Rory McIlroy in The Match on December 10 against Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, as well as in the PNC Championship the following week with son Charlie.
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