Byrd keeps cool to secure PGA Tour opener
Source: Agencies |
January 11, 2011, Tuesday
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JONATHAN Byrd was initially at a loss for words after winning the biggest title of his career in the PGA Tour's season-opening Tournament of Champions on Sunday.
Byrd claimed his fifth victory on the US circuit with a par at the second hole of a playoff after fellow American Robert Garrigus had three-putted there for bogey.
"I'm pretty overwhelmed, probably, is the best word to describe it," Byrd said after earning the winner's check for US$1.12 million, along with places in this year's Masters and US Open. "I can't sit here and not think about where I was towards the end of the season last year, fighting for my card ... just kind of fighting to play well and finding joy in that process, too.
"Then I win my last tournament of the year, and win it in that fashion," he said.
Byrd qualified for this week's elite, winners-only event with a spectacular victory in his final tournament last season, the Las Vegas Open, where he won a three-way playoff at the fourth extra hole with an ace.
"I get to come to Maui to play in this event, and then feel good coming into here," he added. "I worked hard in the off-season, get back in contention and find myself in another playoff and win another tournament."
Byrd paid tribute to Garrigus for his cheerful demeanor, both during and after the playoff which dramatically unfolded in fading light in Hawaii.
"I'm grateful to Robert, man," the 32-year-old said. "What a great display of sportsmanship. He's smiling in the playoff. He was probably smiling when he doubled the first hole yesterday and he was smiling after he missed that putt."
Garrigus missed a par putt from just three-and-a-half feet to hand Byrd the most significant title of his career.
"It's definitely the biggest tournament I've ever won," Byrd said.
"I've won some great tournaments but this is the best field. So this is definitely a springboard for me."
Byrd claimed his fifth victory on the US circuit with a par at the second hole of a playoff after fellow American Robert Garrigus had three-putted there for bogey.
"I'm pretty overwhelmed, probably, is the best word to describe it," Byrd said after earning the winner's check for US$1.12 million, along with places in this year's Masters and US Open. "I can't sit here and not think about where I was towards the end of the season last year, fighting for my card ... just kind of fighting to play well and finding joy in that process, too.
"Then I win my last tournament of the year, and win it in that fashion," he said.
Byrd qualified for this week's elite, winners-only event with a spectacular victory in his final tournament last season, the Las Vegas Open, where he won a three-way playoff at the fourth extra hole with an ace.
"I get to come to Maui to play in this event, and then feel good coming into here," he added. "I worked hard in the off-season, get back in contention and find myself in another playoff and win another tournament."
Byrd paid tribute to Garrigus for his cheerful demeanor, both during and after the playoff which dramatically unfolded in fading light in Hawaii.
"I'm grateful to Robert, man," the 32-year-old said. "What a great display of sportsmanship. He's smiling in the playoff. He was probably smiling when he doubled the first hole yesterday and he was smiling after he missed that putt."
Garrigus missed a par putt from just three-and-a-half feet to hand Byrd the most significant title of his career.
"It's definitely the biggest tournament I've ever won," Byrd said.
"I've won some great tournaments but this is the best field. So this is definitely a springboard for me."
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