Russell Henley Wins in a Playoff at PGA National
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Stuart Franklin/Getty Images(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) — Russell Henley could have blown it when he muffed a chip on the 18th hole. Instead he two-putted from 60 feet out and ended up in a four-man playoff that he won, to take the Honda Classic at PGA National Sunday.
Henley defeated Russell Knox, Ryan Palmer and Rory McIlroywhen he birdied the first playoff hole and the others all came up with pars.
“It was a rush to be out there and playing with Rory,” Henley told the Golf Channel. “It was just an amazing feeling.”
McIlroycame into the day with a two-stroke lead over Henley. He still led by two going into the 16th but proceeded to double bogey the hole. Despite the mistake, McIlroy had a 12-foot eagle putt to win on the 18th, but missed sending the tournament into a playoff.
“My play down the stretch, I was disappointed,” McIlroy said. “If I would have parred my way in from 16 on I would have won by two strokes. To double 16 was dissapointing. I gave myself a chance to win the thing on the last (18th hole) but didn’t take it.”
The 24-year-old Henley shot a 2-over 72 and finished the tournament at 8 under. It’s his second PGA Tour victory of his career.
Tiger Woods withdrew from the tournament after playing the 13th hole, citing back problems. At that point, he was 5 over for his round.
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