Rickie Fowler landed his second PGA Tour win at the Players Championship just days after being labelled “overrated” in a survey of his fellow professionals.
Fowler emerged victorious over Sergio Garcia and Kevin Kisner after a three hole playoff was needed at The Players Championship to separate the three men.
Fowler, Garcia and Kisner were inseparable after the 72 regulation holes, with all three players recording 12-under rounds for the tournament.
The players returned to holes 16, 17 and 18 in an bid to crown a winner. Garcia was unable to keep pace with the American duo of Fowler and Kisner.
The 35-year old Spaniard, and former Players Championship winner, parring all three extra holes to fall just short and out of contention.
Fowler and Kisner returned to TPC Sawgrass’ famous par-3 17th to decide the tournament.
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Kisner was unable to match Fowler’s tee-shot and seeing his putt come up short, 26-year old Fowler duly sank his putt to seal a historic second PGA Tour win.
“It’s amazing,” said Fowler. “We obviously look at this tournament as one of the biggest that we play up against the Majors.”
“This is a special week, everyone looks forward to it.
“And I’m just happy I had a chance after my finish this afternoon, to get in the playoff and to be here on 17 to get it done.”
After getting pushed all the way by Garcia and Kisner – still without a win on the PGA Tour – Fowler said: “Well I was obviously against two great players, I know Kis hasn’t been out here long but he’s a solid golfer.
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“Sergio – you don’t have to talk much about him – he can play.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I made some good swings. Probably some of my best [here] on 17.
“I felt like my game was where I want it to be, but unfortunately I didn’t play well here on Saturday,” said Fowler. Who will no doubt have silenced some of his critics with this win.
“We finished it off strong and I think we’re back where we should be.”
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