AVIDGOLFER

Patton Kizzire Survives Six-Hole Playoff, Missile Scare And Overbearing Blimp To Take Sony Open

Rick Arnett /

Last week’s Sony Open had quite the tournament–and not necessarily in a good way. There was a mistaken missile scare posted by Hawaiian HEMA and a strike by GolfChannel cameramen/techs that led to an embarrassing presentation by panicked fill-ins.

And, there was a two-man, six-hole playoff to decide the winner. That’s a tough trifecta to overcome. Sheesh, the only obstacle missing was an erupting volcano.

Patton Kizzire beat James Hahn to become the first multiple winner this season. Hahn earned a playoff berth via his 8-under 62, but missed a couple of makable putts (six and 10 feet on the 18th hole) to win in overtime.

“It wasn’t pretty,” Kizzire said. “I’ll take it any way I can get it.”

Hahn was trying to be the first tour player to win his first three events by playoff since Robert Allenby (yeah, him!).

54-hole leader Tom Hoge was in good position to secure his first Tour win until he doubled the 17th hole.

James Hahn Patton Kizzire Robert Allenby Tom Hoge