Taylor Pendrith secured his first PGA Tour title in a thrilling ending at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson by taking advantage of Ben Kohles’ late collapse on Sunday. He maintained composure during the final hole and clinched an unforgettable triumph at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.
Kohles had a strong lead with two birdies on holes 16 and 17 but crumbled under the pressure in the end. As a result, Taylor Pendrith came out as the winner. Although Kohles fought hard until his last bogey on hole 18 ended his chance of winning, Pendrith held steady and secured victory by making an essential putt for another birdie.
Achieving a significant milestone in his PGA Tour career, the Canadian golfer, aged 32, emerged victorious after competing in his 74th tour. Displaying exceptional poise and skill during the tournament held near Dallas – where he was born – Pendrith maintained his composure when it mattered most.
With his quest for a maiden PGA Tour triumph, Alex Noren gave Pendrith a close contest and trailed by only one stroke. The audience was captivated as Noren expertly hit the ball off the tee on hole 17, yet despite his impressive showing, he couldn’t quite force extra playtime.
Meanwhile, Aaron Rai, Matt Wallace, S.H. Kim, and Byeong Hun An delivered solid performances to finish within striking distance of the leaders. Rai and Kim’s stellar rounds of 64 put them in contention, while Wallace and An showcased their consistency with solid finishes.
Throughout the day, Taylor Pendrith and Kohles fought a closely contested battle as both exchanged leads on multiple occasions. However, amidst mounting pressure, Pendrith exhibited his unyielding determination by keeping his concentration intact and sealing an edge-of-the-seat victory in the end.
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson witnessed moments of brilliance and drama, showcasing the competitive spirit of the players. Pendrith’s maiden victory adds another chapter to the tournament’s rich history, reaffirming the unpredictable nature of golf and the thrill of championship contention.
