DeChambeau birdies second extra hole to win Memorial

DUBLIN: Bryson DeChambeau birdied the second extra hole to beat South Korea’s An Byeonghun and capture the biggest title of his career on Sunday at the Memorial.

DeChambeau, 24, An and Kyle Stanley had ended regulation play tied on 15-under par, but only after the two Americans each bogeyed the 72nd hole.

Stanley, 30 was eliminated with another bogey on the first playoff hole — the 18th.

An and DeChambeau returned to the 18th tee for the second playoff hole, with An’s second shot coming to rest against a spectator’s umbrella.

After a free drop he found the green but DeChambeau settled things with his birdie effort, saying his second career US PGA Tour title was even more special coming in the Jack Nicklaushosted event.

“I can’t even describe it. Just to win his event is an honour,” said DeChambeau, who carded a finalround 71.

“This is most important win of my entire career because it happened here at Jack’s course and also it is also kind of validity me being out here on tour, as well.”

An, who burst onto the world stage in capturing the 2015 European Tour’s BMW PGA Championship, was gracious in defeat.

“I couldn’t do any better with the third shot at the second extra hole but then Bryson had a good birdie look,” said the south Korean, who posted a final-round 69.

Tiger Woods’ much-anticipated final round charge never materialised as the 14-time major champion struggled with three bogeys coming in.

Much of his trouble came on the greens, but he also went out of bounds at 13 en route to an even par 72 for a share of 23rd place on nine-under par.