In a thrilling finale, Kevin Yu secured his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Sanderson Farms Championship, edging out Beau Hossler in a sudden-death playoff. Yu’s 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole capped off a remarkable 5-under 67 round, which propelled him into a tie for the lead.
As the final round unfolded, it seemed like a two-man duel between Hossler and Keith Mitchell. However, Yu’s timely birdie on the 18th hole thrust him into contention. Hossler’s drive on the same hole found trouble behind a tree, forcing him to pitch out and salvage par with a clutch 4-foot putt.
Meanwhile, Mitchell’s chances of claiming his first win in five years slipped away with a three-putt bogey on the 18th. His 35-foot birdie attempt grazed the left edge of the cup, but he failed to convert the 4-foot par putt, ultimately finishing tied for third with Lucas Glover.
In the playoff, Yu seized the opportunity, hitting his approach to 6 feet right of the hole. Hossler’s attempt from the trees found the front bunker, and although he escaped with a 2-foot par putt, Yu sealed the win with his 6-foot birdie putt.
Overcome with emotion, Yu credited his parents for their unwavering support, saying, “I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was 5. This is the dream for all golfers – to win on the PGA Tour. I did it today.”
Yu’s triumph earns him a spot at the Masters and the PGA Championship, as well as an invitation to The Sentry tournament at Kapalua. As for Hossler, despite falling short in his 200th PGA Tour start, he remains optimistic, praising Yu’s playoff performance.
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