By The CJ Cup Byron Nelson witnessed a thrilling finale as Taylor Pendrith clinched his first PGA Tour title in dramatic fashion, overcoming Ben Kohles on the final hole in Texas. While Pendrith emerged victorious, England’s Aaron Rai and Matt Wallace showcased their talents with impressive birdie bursts, finishing in a share of fourth place.
Rai’s remarkable front nine, highlighted by an eagle on the ninth hole, propelled him to 19 under before he concluded his round on 20 under, tied with Wallace and others, just three strokes behind Pendrith. Wallace, despite a slow start, rallied with four birdies in five holes on the back nine, including a sensational chip-in at the 12th, to climb back up the leaderboard.
The thrilling duel between Pendrith and Kohles saw the lead change hands multiple times during the final round. Kohles held a one-stroke advantage heading into the last hole but faltered with a bogey, allowing Pendrith to secure victory with a birdie on the 18th.
Among the standout performers was 16-year-old English amateur Kris Kim, who made headlines by becoming the youngest player to make the cut in a PGA Tour event since 2015. Despite a final round stumble, Kim’s stellar performance throughout the tournament showcased his potential on the professional stage.
Reflecting on his experience, Kim expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the lessons learned during the week. Despite facing fatigue towards the end, Kim remains optimistic about his future in the sport.
As the PGA Tour shifts to North Carolina for the Wells Fargo Championship, the absence of world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is expecting his first child, adds an intriguing subplot to the upcoming event.
Overall, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson provided fans with gripping competition and memorable moments, underscoring the depth of talent and excitement on the PGA Tour.
