Share

McGirt grinds out first PGA Tour victory

Washington - William McGirt earned the first PGA Tour victory of his 12-year career at The Memorial on Sunday with a pair of back-to-back playoff par saves.

The 36-year-old McGirt rolled in a six-foot par putt on the second playoff hole to edge fellow American Jon Curran after they both finished the fourth round at 15-under 273.

McGirt posted his first victory since turning pro 12 years ago. He booked a spot in the US Open at Oakmont in two weeks, along with a three-year PGA Tour exemption.

He has appeared in just one major previously in his career, missing the cut in the 2012 PGA Championship.

McGirt hit his winning putt then punctuated the victory with a right fist pump before the ball even dropped into the cup on the 18th hole at the Muirfield Village Golf Club.

McGirt shot a one-under 71 Sunday, while Curran shot a 70.

McGirt became the sixth player to have his first career win come at the Memorial, including the last two - Hideki Matsuyama of Japan and David Lingmerth of Sweden.

It was the third straight year that the tournament hosted by Jack Nicklaus went to extra holes.

McGirt and Curran had a combined 218 PGA Tour starts without a victory.

Dustin Johnson finished one shot out of the playoff at 14-under 274. He shot a final-round 71 that included five birdies.

Northern Ireland's world number three Rory McIlroy carded a 68 to head a group sharing fourth on 13-under 275. He was joined by Americans JB Holmes (69), Gary Woodland (73) and Matt Kuchar (73).

 The field was one of the strongest of the season, featuring the top five players in the world.

World number one Jason Day of Australia carded a final-round 74 that left him tied for 27th on 279.

World number two Jordan Spieth closed with a 73 to finish in a tie for 57th on 285.

Leading scores after Sunday's final round of the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament at Dublin, Ohio (x-won at 2nd playoff hole. Par 72, USA unless noted):

273 - x-William McGirt 70-68-64-71, Jon Curran 68-67-68-70

274 - Dustin Johnson 64-71-68-71

275 - Rory McIlroy (NIR) 71-66-70-68, J.B. Holmes 71-68-67-69, Gary Woodland 68-65-69-73, Matt Kuchar 66-66-70-73

276 - Patrick Reed 68-71-69-68, Keegan Bradley 68-69- 70-69, Kevin Streelman 67-68-69-72,

277 - Marc Leishman (AUS) 69-71-69-68, Tony Finau 70-69-70-68, Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 68-69-72-68, An Byeong-Hun (KOR) 71-70-69-67, Roberto Castro 70-70-71-66, John Senden (AUS) 69-70-68-70, Webb Simpson 69-70-66-72, Emiliano Grillo (ARG) 67-66-70-74, Adam Hadwin (CAN) 70-66-67-74

278 - Smylie Kaufman 71-67-71-69, Kyle Reifers 71-67-71-69, Brendan Steele 65-67-75-71, Matt Jones (AUS) 71-68-68-71, Phil Mickelson 68-69-69-72, Robert Streb 68-73-64-73, Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) 71-69-64-74

279 - David Lingmerth (SWE) 68-73-68-70, David Hearn (CAN) 66-73-72-68, John Huh 69-69-67-74, Jason Day (AUS) 66-71-68-74, Scott Brown 69-67-69-74, Zac Blair 69-67-68-75

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
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 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