PGA Tour: The American Express in California saw Jon Rahm defeat rookie Davis Thompson to win his second PGA Tour championship of the year.
On the PGA West Stadium Course, Rahm, who shot a 68, and 23-year-old Thompson, who shot a 69, were tied with three holes remaining when Thompson, who had been in the lead after 36 holes and was tied with Rahm going into Sunday, drove his drive into a deep fairway bunker on the par-five 16th and made par. Rahm scored a birdie to go in front.
The Georgia native displayed his irritation as he walked to the 18th tee after tapping in for par on the par-three 17th hole when the American decided to leave the pin in for his 50-foot birdie putt on the island green.
After shooting 27-under 261 to win the ninth tournament on the PGA Tour, Rahm will rise one spot to third in the global rankings thanks to his performance at La Quinta.
Rahm said, “Can’t ask for everything. Had I had the same putting I had yesterday or Friday it probably would’ve been a blowout victory.”
“Every scenario offers an opportunity to grow, and today was no exception.
“Got lucky that Davis’ putt on 17 didn’t go in, and lucky that his ball on 18 narrowly missed the green.
“What a player, he sure is. He is acting appropriately, so I wouldn’t be shocked if he wins soon. He gave me a tough fight today, and it was great fun. There will undoubtedly be a lot more.”
In his 20th PGA Tour appearance, Thompson settled for solo second at 26 under, his best result to date.
Regarding the putt at No. 17, Thompson stated, “I always leave the stick in from a great distance.”
“I believe it improves my speed. Unfortunately, I’ll probably spend a lot of time in my thoughts imagining what might have happened.
“I read really well. I think I struck it too hard. If it had been moving quickly, it would have just hit the flag and fallen. However, we will never know. I’m pleased with this week’s performance.”
After narrowly missing a birdie putt on the last hole that would have allowed him to surpass Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy by one point, Scottie Scheffler finished with a final score of 67 and tied for 11th.
The Briton, who is now ranked No. 1, will make his 2023 debut in Dubai the following week during the European Tour.
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