Patton Kizzire’s last victory on TOUR came 2,436 days ago.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 16, 2024
Today, he’s back in the winner’s circle with his wife Kari by his side. pic.twitter.com/zjef7HAO8S
Patton Kizzire snapped a lengthy winless streak on Sunday, claiming victory at the Procore Championship in Napa, California. With a 2-under 70, Kizzire finished at a record-setting 20-under 268, sealing a five-shot win at Silverado Country Club in the FedExCup Fall opener.
A Return to Glory
After a drought of 176 events, Patton Kizzire has claimed his first triumph since 2018. The Auburn alumnus had previously won two PGA Tour titles in Mexico and Hawaii at the end of 2017 and the start of 2018 but faced numerous challenges before finding success again at age 38.
“I’m going to enjoy this win. It’s just so sweet to get through the ups and downs,” Kizzire said. “You just gotta stay positive. That’s what led me here, right now.”
Securing His Future
With this victory, Patton Kizzire not only ended his drought but also secured his PGA Tour card for the next two years. The win guarantees him spots in prestigious events like the Masters, PGA Championship, and The Sentry at Kapalua, further bolstering his career comeback.
Battling Winds and Erratic Shots
Despite his victory, Kizzire faced challenges throughout the final round, particularly off the tee. He missed 11 fairways and landed in bunkers multiple times, but his consistent approach shots and timely recovery play kept him in control. “I knew it would be difficult not to get ahead of myself with a four-shot lead,” Kizzire noted. He credited staying present and discipline for his success.
David Lipsky finished second after a 71, while Patrick Fishburn took third at 14-under.
A Crucial Eagle and Late-Game Drama
Patton Kizzire’s defining moment came on the par-5 fifth hole, where he drained a 50-foot wedge for an eagle, pulling away from Lipsky after the latter’s strong start. Although Kizzire faced some tense moments after bogeys on Nos. 11 and 16, he quickly recovered to maintain his lead, securing his win with a birdie on No. 13 and further extending his margin by five strokes after No. 15.
In a field that included defending champion Sahith Theegala, who finished tied for fifth at 12-under, Kizzire’s win stood out as a testament to his perseverance and grit.
