Duncan takes first PGA win at RSM Classic
Unheralded Tyler Duncan emerged from obscurity, making birdie at the second extra hole to beat fellow American Webb Simpson in a playoff at the RSM Classic in Georgia on Sunday.
World No. 387 Duncan displayed composure that belied his low ranking, sinking a 12-foot putt to capture his maiden victory in the final event of the year on the PGA Tour.
In doing so, he ended the hot streak of overnight leader Brendon Todd, who was seeking a rare third consecutive victory.
But Todd ran out of steam, shooting 2-over-par 72 to finish three shots off the pace in fourth place.
Duncan, in his third season on tour, came from four shots behind in the final round. After bogeying the first hole, he roared back in style, playing as though with nothing to lose.
He birdied the last two holes in regulation to shoot 65 and tie former U.S. Open champion Simpson (67) at 19-under 263 on the Seaside course at Sea Island.
“I won on the PGA Tour. That’s something I’ve always dreamed of,” said 30-year-old Duncan.
David Hearn of Brantford, Ont. (69)wasthetopcanadianat9-un- der, while Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. (69) finished at 3-under and Adam Hadwin of Abbotsford, B.C. (68) was one shot back at 2-under.
South Korea’s Sei Young Kim drained a 25-foot birdie putt from the edge of the 18th green to capture her third title of the year and take home the US$1.5 million winner’s check at the LPGA’S season-ending CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Fla.
Kim, who finished at 18-under 270 at Tiburon Golf Club, survived a late run by Englishwoman Charley Hull, who birdied her final three holes to tie Kim for the lead at 17-under and put the pressure on Kim at the 18th.
The victory marked the 10th title of Kim’s career and also earned her the Race to the CME Globe, a season-long points competition that was decided this week.
World No. 1 Jin Young Ko of South Korea captured the Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average (69.062) as well as the 2019 money title ($2,773,894). Her average is second all-time behind legendary Annika Sorenstam (68.697 in 2002).
Canadian Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., finished with a 67 to finish three shots off the pace in fifth, while Alena Sharp of Hamilton (72) finished in a tie for 29th at 5-under.