Story By: Tim Hill
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Irving, TX–
There have been quite a few amazing finishes at the Byron Nelson, but today’s playoff victory by Sergio Garcia ranks up there as one of the best classic finishes in this tournament.
Garcia said he appreciated an “emotional” exchange with Peggy Nelson, widow of the tournament namesake, after becoming the first golfer to post multiple Nelson victories at the Four Seasons venue since the event moved to Irving in 1983.
“Peggy told me, ‘Byron, I’m sure he’s looking down with a big smile and very happy,’ ” Garcia said. “That means a lot. I have a lot of respect for all the legends in the sport, and he was one of the biggest.”
Spieth finished in a tie for 18th place at 10 under despite playing in the final group at the Nelson for the first time as a tour participant.
Koepka, who missed a 16-foot birdie putt on the 18th green that could have won it in regulation, just muffed the playoff hole with a double bogey. After driving into the water and taking a drop, his approach from the left rough landed well short of the green and provided the opening for Garcia. Koepka called it a continuation of a recurring theme during weekend rounds.
“I really didn’t have much the last 36 holes,” Koepka said. “It’s hard to win when you keep hitting it in the rough. It is disappointing.”
One of the biggest mover and shakers of the weekend was SMU alum and Dallas product, Colt Knost, who finished with 65 today and -13 for the tournament.
“It’s great to have a finish like this in your hometown, it is sort of dream come true to be up here on Sunday with some of these guys,” said Knost.
Final leader board
| -15 Sergio Garcia* | 68—265 |
| -15 Brooks Koepka | 71—265 |
| -14 Matt Kuchar | 69—266 |
| -13 Colt Knost | 65—267 |
| -13 Spencer Levin | 66—267 |
| -13 Charles Howell III | 66—267 |
| -13 Robert Garrigus | 66—267 |
| -13 Tim Wilkinson | 68—267 |
| -13 Bud Cauley | 70—267 |
