Sunday, June 24, 2007

Exciting Finish to the Travelers Championship

It came down to Hunter Mahan and Jay Williamson and a playoff. At stake: A win on the PGA Tour and an exemption into the Masters next year. By the start of the playoff, Mahan had secured the Fed Ex cup points for first place since Williamson wouldn't be able to collect those (he's a non-member of the tour) and Williamson had essentially locked up his playing privileges for next year with what he would be making for finishing at least second.

Hunter Mahan hit two of the most incredible shots into the 18th green, both in regulation and in the playoff, and made you wonder if he couldn't be a sneaky captain's pick for either the Presidents Cup this year or Ryder Cup next year. If he can go for the pin with that much on the line and get inside Williamson both times, then he's needed for any matchplay event out there.

Mahan finally pulled out the win with the first playoff hole. His first win on the PGA Tour.

My thoughts: I think it ended the way it should have. A win is a win and Williamson had already won an event this year on the Nationwide Tour. It's fair that Mahan gets a win. And Williamson made enough to get his card so his life is turning out well. Also, Mahan has been out on the PGA tour for a number of years, paying his dues. He deserved his win today. Not to mention he finished T2 last year at this event and it seemed appropriate to take the win this year. Plus, Mahan shot a 65 in the final round and Williamson a 66.

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