America’s Xander Schauffele shot a course-record equalling 11-under-par 62 in the final round to win the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii with a 23-under-par total.
The 25-year-old from San Diego started the final round five shots behind leader Gary Woodland, but finished one clear of his compatriot after a stunning closing 18 holes over the Kapalua Plantation course on Maui.
Schauffele opened his round with a bogey, but a run of three consecutive birdies got score back on track. He then chipped in from the front of the green on the par-5 ninth for eagle, and then holed a wedge from 107 yards for another eagle at 12. He took the lead with back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th. Tied with Woodland over the closing holes, Schauffele finished birdie-birdie to win by one and match four players for the course record of 62.
“It was a crazy day,” Schauffele said after his fourth career PGA Tour victory, and second in as many starts this season. “I didn’t do much leaderboard watching. I knew it was going to be a birdie-fest at the end. We kept our head down and made a run for it.”
Rory McIlroy started Sunday’s round in second place, three shots behind Woodland, but fell away with a 72 – the joint lowest score of the top 20 finishers. The 29-year-old’s round left him 15 under overall, tied for fourth place alongside Dustin Johnson and Marc Leishman.
“I obviously could have shot a better score, but I did what I wanted to do, gave myself plenty of chances, just couldn’t get the ball to drop,” McIlroy said. “I don’t think anyone could have lived with Xander today.”
Justin Thomas hit nine birdies in his final round to finish in third place, four shots behind Woodland. Paul Casey and Ian Poulter both closed with 71s, leaving them in 16th and 18th place respectively. Brooks Koepka closed with a 69 to finish 24th, meaning Justin Rose, who didn’t play in the tournament, returns to No.1 in the world.
Xander Schauffele – What’s in the Bag?
Driver: Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero (9)
3-wood: Callaway Rogue Sub Zero (15)
5-wood: Callaway Rogue Sub Zero (18)
Irons: Callaway Apex Pro 19 (4-PW)
Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 4 (52); Titleist Vokey SM6 (56, 60)
Putter: Odyssey O-Works Red #7 CH
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X