NORTON, United States: Justin Thomas fired a final round five-under 66 to win his fifth tournament of 2017, outduelling fellow American Jordan Spieth on the back nine at the Dell Championship on Sunday.
The two Americans battled hard down the stretch until Spieth saw his hopes dashed on the fairway at 18 when his approach sailed right and landed in a large bunker. His next shot travelled clear across the green as he finished with a bogey six on the hole.
Thomas completed the second tournament of the PGA Tour playoffs with a 17-under 267 total for a three-shot victory which propelled him into second place in the FedExCup standings behind Spieth.
“I have had a great year, just two more events to finish it off,” said Thomas.
Spieth’s bungle on 18 allowed Thomas, who was in the group behind, the luxury of taking a victory stroll up the fairway on 18 which he easily parred.
Spieth’s self-destruction at the Dell came one week after he blew a five-stroke lead in the final round and lost to Dustin Johnson on the first playoff hole of The Northern Trust to open the postseason.
Spieth, who shot a 67, finished solo runner-up at 14-under 270 while Aussie Marc Leishman fired a 70 to place alone in third, four strokes back of Thomas.
Spain’s John Rahm (68) and England’s Paul Casey (70) tied for fourth at 12-under 272. — AFP