AVIDGOLFER

Patton Kizzire Holds Off Rickie Fowler For 1st Tour Win

Rick Arnett /

Patrick Kizzire became the latest to grab his first ever PGA Tour win at the OHL Classic at the El Camaleon Golf Club in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. It was a gutsy win as Rickie Fowler was hot on his heels and a one-time 4-shot lead had shrunk to 1 heading to the last hole.

The victory occurred in Kizzire’s 62nd start.

This shot was impressive from the stance Kizzire faced.

Golfweek’s Kevin Casey files the report.

The 31-year-old had to play 36 holes on the last day due to weather delays the previous two, but he held his nerve throughout. The 36-hole co-leader entering the day, Kizzire fired a 66 to take the 54-hole lead by one and then closed the afternoon with a bogey-free 67 to pull out a one-shot victory at 19 under.

And that wasn’t all. Rickie Fowler, a fellow 36-hole co-leader, was three down to Kizzire with three to play but birdied 16 and 17 to move within one and put the pressure on. It seemed a playoff might be imminent when Kizzire pulled his drive at 18 and had to hit from a compressed stance in the rough with a bunker just feet to the left of his ball. But he hit a gorgeous shot to roughly 20 feet. Fowler, from the fairway, could only knock his some 25 feet away and then left the birdie try short. Kizzire lagged to inches and would tap in for par and the victory.

It was pretty nerve-wracking (down the stretch), but I felt good. I’ve been in tough spots before and I drew from all my experiences. It means a lot. I’m pretty excited right now, pretty emotional and I was glad to get it done. Rickie made me work hard.” 

Kizzire earns a two-year exemption and the coveted invite from Augusta National.

Patrick Kizzire Rickie Fowler