Late charge powers Cantlay to Zozo title

American Patrick Cantlay staged a back nine charge to speed past world No. 2 Jon Rahm and No. 3 Justin Thomas to claim a one shot victory at the Zozo Championship in Thousand Oaks, Calif., on Sunday.

Cantlay, who began the day three back of overnight leader Thomas, carded a final round 7-under 67 at the Sherwood Country Club to top the leaderboard and collect his third career PGA Tour title with a winning total of 23-under 265.

The 28- year- old’s round included a career-high nine birdies, four of those coming over a five- hole stretch from the 11th on the back nine. Canada’s Corey Conners finished five strokes back.

Tiger Woods, back in action for the first time since missing the cut at the U. S. Open, closed out a frustrating week with a final round 2-over 74.

Woods had arrived at one of his favourite venues as the defending Zozo champion but was never in contention after an opening round 76. Chasing a record 83rd PGA Tour win, he finished near the bottom of the leaderboard, 22 shots behind the winner.

In the LPGA, Ally Mcdonald gave herself the birthday present of a lifetime when she captured her first career LPGA title with a win at the LPGA Drive On Championship in Greensboro, Ga.

“I’ve never doubted my ability, but I’ve definitely questioned whether I would be able to win out here,” said Mcdonald, who turned 28 on Sunday.

“It’s really hard to win out here. I’ve just really hung in there and tried to stick to my process since day one. That was able to get me in the winner’s circle today. I’m really thankful.”

Mcdonald, the leader after Rounds 2 and 3, finished with a 3-under 69 for a 16-under, 272 total, and a one-stroke victory over firstround leader Danielle Kang.