Share

Watson wins Travelers in playoff

Cromwell - Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson rolled in a birdie putt on the second hole of a sudden death playoff to beat Paul Casey and capture the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship on Sunday.

Watson, who led after the first two rounds, stuck his approach shot on the final hole to within seven feet, while Casey found the bunker on his first two shots then blasted a sand shot over the green to all but eliminate himself from contention.

"Casey played great. I watched him make birdie on 17 from 16 green, and you know, I hung on and that's what we've got to do sometimes to win," said Watson.

The 36-year-old Watson closed with a three-under 67 to become the fourth player this year to earn two tournament victories. Casey posted a five-under 65.

The left-handed American finished at 16-under 264 in a tie with England's Casey, who made a late charge by making birdie on three of his final five holes of regulation to get into the playoff.

Both players parred the first sudden death hole, sending them back to the 18th tee for the third straight time in the round played under a light drizzle.

Watson's drive landed in the middle of the fairway and then he hit a brilliant approach shot onto the green.

He eventually made the seven-foot birdie putt, but the final hole was more about what Casey didn't do right.

His tee shot landed in the sand on the right side of the fairway and then the second shot found the bunker again just off the green.

His next sand shot sailed completely across the green and into a pack of fans who were standing on a cement cart path.

Casey chipped onto the green but by that time it was too late, especially with Watson having three putts to win.

"The round was great, it really was," Casey said. "I thought it was probably a tall order for a chance at winning.

"Actually thought those guys right behind us would probably stretch it out and keep making birdies.

"I feel fortunate to have a chance. I just couldn't get in the fairway on 18. I struggled on 18 today for some reason, but all in all it's been a great week."

Third-round leader Brian Harman of the US, birdied the final two holes for a one-under 69. He ended alone in third at minus-15. Canada's Graham DeLaet also closed with a 69 to end in fourth at 14-under-par 266.

Carl Pettersson, of Sweden, posted a four-under 66 to grab fifth at minus-13, while Zach Johnson (69) was one back at 12-under 268.

Leading scores after Sunday's final round of the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship (USA unless noted, par 70, x-won in playoff):

264 - Paul Casey (ENG) 67-68-64-65, x-Bubba Watson 62-67-68-67

265 - Brian Harman 66-65-65-69

266 - Graham DeLaet (CAN) 67-66-64-69

267 - Carl Pettersson (SWE) 65-66-70-66

268 - Zach Johnson 65-70-64-69

269 - Luke Donald (ENG) 68-68-67-66, Mark Wilson 66-68-67-68, Bo Van Pelt 70-68-65-66

270 - Jason Gore 64-68-69-69, Ken Duke 69-68-67-66, Brandt Snedeker 68-68-63-71, Chris Stroud 65-67-68-70, Jon Curran 67-67-67-69

271 - Steven Bowditch (AUS) 68-68-69-66, Martin Laird (SCO) 70-67-67-67, Nicholas Thompson 66-67-70-68, Mark D. Anderson 67-71-65-68, Brendon Todd 67-70-67-67

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
32% - 1843 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1810 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1100 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 470 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 193 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 261 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE