Kitayama settles for 2nd place in Open
Kitayama had two eagles on the final day — at the par-5 Nos. 6and 12— but still finished in second place.
NAIROBI, KENYA >> Justin Harding held on to his overnight lead to win the European Tour’s Kenya Open by two shots with a 5-under 66 in the final round on Sunday, holding off Chico’s Kurt Kitayama.
The South African had a two-shot overnight lead and didn’t relinquish that to claim his second tour title. He finished 21 under overall.
Harding had three birdies and an eagle but crucially didn’t drop a shot all day.
The closest he came to being caught was when playing partner Kitayama of the United States briefly cut Harding’s lead to one shot midway through the final round.
Kitayama had two eagles on the final day — at the par-5 Nos. 6 and 12 — but still finished with a 66 for second place.
Connor Syme was two further shots back in third on 17 under after closing with a 64. Sebastian Garcia Rodriguez (63) was another shot back in fourth.
Harding won the 2019 Qatar Masters, and he finished in a tie for second when the Kenya Open made its debut on the European Tour in 2019. HARKINS 36TH ON KORN FERRY TOUR >> Roberto Diaz of Mexico won the Chitimacha Louisiana Open for his first
Korn Kerry Tour title.
The 34-year-old Diaz closed with a 3-under 68 for a one-stroke victory over Peter Uihlein at Le Triomphe Golf and Country Club. Diaz finished at 18 under.
Uihlein shot a 67. Tom Whitney (63) was third at 16 under.
Former Chico State standout Brandon Harkins closed with a 69 to finished tied for 36th at 5 under. He earned $3,165.
JONES WINS HONDA CLASSIC >> When Matt Jones won his first PGA Tour title seven years ago, he needed a 45foot birdie putt just to get into a playoff and then a 40-yard chip-in to take the victory.
This win was far less dramatic, yet just as meaningful.