Sepp Straka edges Shane Lowry to win Honda Classic
He came from five shots back going into the final day and produced a final round of 66 to finish 10 under, which was enough to hold off the advances of Irish pro, Shane Lowry.
Lowry’s efforts on Sunday – a round of 67 – saw him finish just a shot behind Straka and the Irishman was not helped by a sudden downpour of rain during the closing stages of his round.
“That’s the game unfortunately,” said Lowry.
“I played the golf – good enough golf, I felt to win the tournament. That bad weather came in just as we were hitting our tee shot on 18, which was as bad a break as I’ve got in a while.
“It’s a tough one to take. There is obviously a lot of positives to take from the whole event. You know, probably played some of best golf my whole career this week I feel around a very tough golf course.”
Daniel Berger, who held a five-shot lead going into the final day, was not able to recover from an early struggle. He finished fourth behind Kurt Kitayama, following a disappointing 74 on Sunday.
Straka tapped in for birdie in the rain on the final hole, while Lowry needed to make a 45-footer for birdie on the 18th to force a playoff. It missed, and therefore, Straka’s victory was secured, having come into the week ranked 176 in the world.
The Austrian had started his campaign with a 71 before turning things up with rounds of 64 and 69. As a result, he was one of four players tied for second at 6 under on Saturday night.
“I did [believe it was possible],” Straka said to Sky Sports about winning on the final day. “I had a good feeling, my brother text me right before the round and he said that he had a good feeling about this one.
“So, we both had a good feelings and I just knew that I needed to keep my head down and keep going.”
The victory ensures Straka will play at The Masters in April.