HONDA CLASSIC

Kirk Tastes Victory After Eight Winless Years

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Chris Kirk birdied the first playoff hole to beat Eric Cole at the Honda Classic, ending a near eight-year title drought with his fifth PGA Tour triumph.

It was an emotional win for the 37-year-old American, whose last victory at Colonial in 2015 was followed by time away from the game in 2019 to deal with depression and alcohol misuse.

He took a two-shot lead into the final round and carded a one-under-par 69, shook off a bogey at the 72nd hole with a birdie to return again to 18 for the first hole of the playoff.

There Kirk spun his approach within a foot of the pin while Cole, who was in a greenside bunker, missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to extend the playoff.