Early in the final round, Andrew Landry looked like he’d coast to his second career PGA Tour win. He shot 33 on the front nine, then made three straight birdies on the back nine to open up a six-shot lead. It was game over.
But, as the first few events of 2020 have taught us, it ain’t over ’til it’s over, preferably in a playoff.
Landry, who lost the 2018 American Express in extra holes against Jon Rahm, appeared destined for a playoff once again after making three straight bogeys beginning at the par-3 13th. Not helping his chances of winning was a surging Abraham Ancer, who posted a nine-under 63 to get in the clubhouse at 24-under. On the 17th tee, Landry, who had once led by six, was now tied for the lead.
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The 32-year-old proceeded to hit one of the shots of his life at the dangerous, island green, par-3 17th, sticking an 8 iron to six feet, holing the putt and regaining the lead. At 18 he finished in style, finding the centre of the fairway, hitting his approach to six feet once again, and once again making birdie to win by two:
Birdie-birdie finish for @AndrewLGolf.
He seals the deal on win No. 2 of his career.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/S5KvSlROSG
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 19, 2020
The win is Landry’s second on tour, the first coming at the 2018 Valero Texas Open. Entering the week, he had missed five consecutive cuts, and seven of eight so far for the season.
For Ancer, it’s another strong result, the fourth of his career inside the top-4, but he’s still in search of his first victory.
Best of the Australians was former Australian Open champion Cameron Davis, who carded a closing 69 to finish equal 29th.
