Canada’s Pendrith earns first win on PGA Tour

Welcome to the party Taylor Pendrith.

After a wild finish and a pressure-packed back nine at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, Pendrith is Canada’s latest PGA Tour winner.

The Richmond Hill native birdied the 72nd hole to steal victory from American Ben Kohle who made the day’s only bogey at the par-5 * closing hole. Pendrith shot a four-under 67 on Sunday to reach 23-under par and finish one shot ahead of a heartbroken Kohle. The two-shot swing for the win at the final hole was made possible by a par-saving putt by Pendrith at the par-3 17th that dangerously circled the hole before falling in.

“I feel for Ben making bogey, he played so well today,” Pendrith said on the 18th green. “But I’m super thrilled, it’s amazing. I’m shaking.”

Pendrith has long battled injuries, and this year was no different with a shoulder injury that had for much of the season taken away his greatest strength with the big-hitter ranking just 98th in total driving.

“It’s been a journey,” he said. “It’s my third year out here, I’ve battled some injuries on the Mackenzie Tour, been up to the Korn Ferry, and back down. Had to prove myself a few different times to get to this level and this year has been super frustating for me.”

The 32-year-old went to Kent State University along with fellow countrymen Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes, leaving the school with every reason to believe his path would closely follow his friends.

In his 74th start on the PGA Tour, it finally has, with Pendrith joining Conners, Hughes, Nick Taylor, Adam Hadwin and Adam Svensson

as recent winners at the game’s top level.

“The last couple weeks, I think it’s clicking and I’m starting to drive the ball well and drove it great today,” he said. “I feel like it’s been a crazy golf journey for me but to be a PGA Tour winner is unbelievable."

Hughes was waiting for Pendrith on the 18th green with a drink in hand for his friend, a custom that the CBS broadcast pointed out as uniquely Canadian.