Kirk wins Honda in playoff, Howell gets 1st LIV title

PALM BEACH GARDENS,

FLA. >> Chris Kirk waited nearly eight years to win a PGA Tour event again. Waiting one more hole on Sunday was no problem.

Kirk stuck his approach to the par-5 18th to tap-in range, and his birdie on the first hole of a playoff lifted him past Eric Cole on Sunday in the Honda Classic.

Cole had a chance, playing his third shot from the sand to just outside of 10 feet for a birdie that would have extended the playoff. But it lipped out, and Kirk nudged his ball in for his fifth career win — his first since prevailing at Colonial in 2015.

They finished 72 holes tied at 14-under 266, Kirk shooting 69, Cole with a 67.

Kirk earned $1,512,000 for the win, and is now eligible to play the Masters again for the first time since 2016. Cole earned $915,600 for the runner-up finish, a check that more than doubles what the 34-year-old has earned in 14 previous tour starts.

Kirk went to the par-5 18th with a one-shot lead. His tee shot found the fairway, and his second shot bounced off the rocks and into the water, leading to bogey. Cole failed to get up-anddown from right of the green and made par, giving Kirk new life in the playoff.

LIV GOLF >> Charles Howell III finally made winning feel easy at Mayakoba when his putter came to life for an 8-under 63 to win the LIV Golf Invitational by four shots for his first title in the Saudi-funded series.

Howell had seven birdies through 10 holes to take control at El Camaleon, and then got some help when Peter Uihlein had to hit three tee shots on the 12th hole in a triple bogey that removed any drama from the final round.