PGA Tour: Kurt Kitayama prevailed at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday to secure his maiden PGA Tour victory despite a crowded and star-studded leaderboard.
The 30-year-old finished nine-under par and maintained his lead after recording an even-par final round of 72.
In the 17th hole, Rory McIlroy and Kitayama were levelled for the lead on eight under, but the American made a birdie to give himself a shot advantage going into the final hole.
When McIlroy missed a 10-foot birdie putt to seize the lead at the 18th, he was forced to settle for a tie for second with Harris English on eight-under after shooting a two-under-par round of 70.
Kitayama, English, and Davis Riley have now earned spots in The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool as a result of the results; Riley finished tied-eighth on six-under after shooting a final-round 66.
Kitayama completed the first nine holes in 37 after making three birdies, but he faltered at the turn with a triple bogey at the ninth.
He maintained his composure with seven consecutive pars to stay in the race and was rewarded with a break when he eagled the 17th hole to tie the score before finishing with a par-four on the 18th.
Kitayama said, “Ecstatic”. “I’ve had this in my dreams for a while. I’ve been close, so finishing it feels incredible.
“The majority of the time, I felt in charge. It just so happened, maybe a terrible kick left and a careless swipe there.
“My heart was racing, but having experienced such circumstances before undoubtedly helped. I caught myself moving really quickly and told myself, ‘Slow down, just take a minute’ which really helped.”
While this was happening, McIlroy lost out on the opportunity to overtake Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler as the No. 1 player in the world rankings because bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes halted the momentum of his three birdies in four holes on holes 10, 12, and 13.
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