Chris Kirk secured the first win of the 2024 PGA Tour season with victory at The Sentry in Maui, Hawaii.
The 38-year-old American birdied the 15th and 17th holes to finish the final round eight under par on Sunday.
Kirk led going into the final round and hit six birdies in his first 11 holes before fending off a late surge from compatriot Sahith Theegala on the back nine.
The win is the sixth of his career and first since last year’s Honda Classic. Prior to that victory last February he had not won on the PGA Tour for eight years, having taken a leave of absence in 2019 to address mental health and addiction issues.
HOW MUCH DID CHRIS KIRK WIN
“It’s 100% the reason why I’m able to do what I do,” Kirk said after the win. “I’ve said that a lot, but my PGA Tour career would have been over a while ago, had I not gotten sober.”
In Hawaii, Kirk made just one bogey all week to claim $3.6m of the $20m purse on offer at the Plantation Course in Kapalua.
Tied with Theegala for the lead at the 17th on Sunday, world no.52 Kirk produced a stunning shot to set up a birdie, going on to finish the week 29 under par.
Jordan Spieth hit an eight under 65 on Sunday to finish third on 27 under, while South Korea’s An Byeong-Hun finished fourth.
WHAT WAS IN CHRIS KIRK’S WINNING BAG
Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (10.7°)
Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (15°, 18°)
Irons: Callaway Apex Pro (4), Callaway Apex CB (5-9)
Wedges: Callaway Jaws MD5 (47°, 50°)
Putter: Odyssey Ai One Milled Six T CH
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x