Justin Thomas collected his first title on the PGA TOUR in nearly three years thanks to a dramatic play-off victory over fellow American Andrew Novak at the RBC Heritage.
The two-time major winner entered the final round at Harbour Town Golf Links tied-2nd alongside Novak on 14 under, both of whom were a shot off overnight leader Tommy Fleetwood. Thomas went on to card a sublime final-round 68 to end on 17 under but had to wait in the clubhouse with Novak closing in to a maiden PGA TOUR triumph. However, the 30-year-old missed a crucial birdie putt at the 18th that would have sealed victory so had to settle with a play-off after matching Thomas’ 68.
The American duo returned to the par-four 19th for the play-off which saw Thomas come out on top in the first attempt after he sunk a 20-foot birdie with Novak failing to sink his birdie putt. Victory means that Thomas claims his 16th career PGA TOUR title but his first since the 2022 PGA Championship.
“Winning is hard, it’s really hard but I’ve worked my butt off and stayed patient and positive,” Thomas said.
“I didn’t realise how much I missed winning and battling out there today was so much fun.”
Novak stated he was proud of his performance despite his narrow play-off defeat as he continues in search for a first PGA TOUR win.
“I’m not as frustrated as I thought I would be.,” Novak said. “I feel like I did a lot of good things. I’m pretty proud of putting myself in that position when I really felt like I wasn’t swinging it that great this week, the fact that I was able to scrap out almost a win with not really swinging my best.
There was a four-way tie for third between American trio Daniel Berger, Brian Harman, and Maverick McNealy and Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes, all of whom finished three shots off the pace on 14 under.
What is the next event?
The next event on the PGA TOUR is the Zurich Classic of New Orleans taking place between 24-27 April at TPC Louisiana.