England’s Harry Hall achieved a stunning first PGA Tour title after triumphing in a five-man playoff at the Isco Championship in Kentucky.
The 26-year-old Cornishman secured the victory by chipping in for a birdie at the third extra hole, outlasting American trio Pierceson Coody, Matt NeSmith, Zac Blair, and Rico Hoey of the Philippines.
Hall’s win, which earned him $720,000 (£555,000) and 300 FedEx Cup points, comes just days before his wife Jordan is expected to give birth to their first child.
Reflecting on the timing, Hall said:
“The due date is Friday. She’s scheduled to induce on Tuesday because I needed to play more due to my FedEx Cup position.” He expressed gratitude to his wife, calling her “a star” and hoping she can now “do whatever she wants.”
All five competitors in the playoff had finished at 22 under par at Keene Trace Golf Club. NeSmith and Blair set the early target, and it took several hours for the final groups to confirm their positions. Blair, who had already left the course, realized from the tournament coverage that he might be in a playoff and drove back to participate.
Hall initially took the lead at 23-under on the 14th hole with his fourth birdie of the day but dropped back with a bogey on the 15th. Hoey reached 23-under at the 15th but also closed with a bogey at the 18th. Hoey and Blair were eliminated at the first playoff hole, while Coody, Hall, and NeSmith all parred the second to stay in contention.
On the third playoff hole, the par-three ninth, all three missed the green. However, Hall’s impeccable chip from the rough secured his victory, as his rivals were unable to match his birdie.
