Pádraig Harrington from Ireland overcame two double bogeys to fend off Thongchai Jaidee from Thailand and triumph at the Hoag Classic in Newport Beach Country Club on Sunday. Harrington began the day with a one-stroke advantage over Jaidee, and despite varying experiences on the course, both players concluded with rounds of two-under-par 69.
This victory at the three-round tournament marked Harrington’s seventh PGA Tour Champions win, with a total of 14-under 199. “Things are never simple when I play. I have a knack for performing well when under pressure,” Harrington commented.
During the tournament, following a birdie at the third hole, Harrington suffered a double bogey on the par-3 fourth hole. However, with birdies on the seventh, twelfth, and fifteenth, he was able to salvage his position. He faced another challenge at the arduous par-4 sixteenth hole where his drive deviated significantly left, leading him to a native area. His predicament worsened when his third shot fell into a bunker, missing the green and resulting in his second double bogey.
Nonetheless, Harrington made a comeback with birdies on holes 17 and 18, surpassing Jaidee, who only achieved pars on these holes. Harrington secured his win with a birdie at the par-5 eighteenth. “I was fully aware that I could end with a birdie-eagle if needed,” said Harrington. “I remained focused. Despite a poor tee shot on the eighteenth, my second shot placed me advantageously. It was necessary to seize the opportunity when presented.”
Meanwhile, Jaidee managed a consistent round of 69, similar to the previous round, by offsetting his two bogeys with four birdies.
Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez fired a 68 to secure third place with a score of twelve under par. Stephen Ames of Canada, following closely behind, came in fourth with a score of eleven under par after shooting a 67. With similar scores of ten under par, Jerry Kelly of the US and South Korea’s KJ Choi shared the fifth position.
In the LPGA Tour, Nelly Korda clinched victory at the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship on Sunday by sinking a birdie on the first extra hole to outdo Ryann O’Toole in the playoff.
During the tournament, Leona Maguire posted a final round score of one-over-par 72, concluding at a total of four-under-par, five strokes behind the front-runners. Her thirteenth place tie earned her a payout of $29,827.