25-year-old Si Woo Kim claimed a nail-biting one-shot victory at the American Express on Sunday for a third career win on the PGA Tour.
The South Korean stood tall and fought off a late charge by Patrick Cantlay with a birdie-birdie-par clutch finish to steal victory away from the American.
Kim, though, looked effortless in his final round and rolled in a whopping eight birdies across the 18 holes without dropping a shot.
The bogey-free display proved decisive in edging ahead of Cantlay, who was even more devastating and determined in his round.
Clutch finish to steal the trophy. ??
A birdie-birdie-par finish puts Si Woo Kim back in the winner’s circle.
(Presented by @SuperStrokeGolf) pic.twitter.com/Qc9eLjZ4bV
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 25, 2021
Cantlay made a staggering 11 birdies, also without one bogey, to surge into contention.
His birdie on the final hole meant Kim had to make a par or better to avoid a playoff in California.
Kim finished with a winning score of 23 under par, while Cantlay’s 61 secured him second place.
READ: Three-way tie at American Express
Australian Cameron Davis ended his week in third spot on 20 under with Tony Finau a further stroke back in fourth place.
‘Every year, I’ve had a chance, but I couldn’t make it,’ Kim said on Sunday.
‘I had a lot of resolve in my mind last night. I took melatonin, but still I didn’t sleep very well. I had to know what’s going on, so I knew how to play my game in the final round. I knew Cantlay played really well. I tried to keep patient and believe in myself. I got the chance on 16 and 17, and that’s when I could make it. I feel good about myself.’
South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel carded a third consecutive round of 72 on Sunday, which had him remaining on five under par after a strong start on Thursday.
Erik van Rooyen fought back bravely in his final round by going three under for the day to secure a share of 56th spot.
