Will Zalatoris secured his first PGA TOUR win in Memphis

Zalatoris secures first PGA TOUR title at FedEx St Jude Championship

Will Zalatoris beat Austria’s Sepp Straka on the third play-off hole to win at the FedEx St Jude Championship, the third of the tour’s FedExCup series. 

After both players finished on 15 under par, they could not be separated until TPC Southwind’s par-three 11th. Straka went into the water off the tee, while Zalatoris’ first shot ended on a brick wall above the hazard. Zalatoris took a drop and pitched to seven feet before sinking a bogey putt as Straka only made the green in four.

“It’s kind of hard to say ‘about time’ when you’re in your second year on Tour, but it’s about time,” said the 25-year-old American, who tied for second at this year’s US Open and lost a play-off to Justin Thomas at the PGA Championship. “Considering all the close finishes that I’ve had this year, to finally pull it off means a lot.”

Earlier, 29-year-old Straka missed a birdie to win the tournament on the 18th as he carded a three-under 67, while Zalatoris made par on the final hole for a round of 66.

Brian Harman and Lucas Glover tied for third on 12 under, while seven players finished on 11 under, including Matt Fitzpatrick and Jon Rahm. Third round leader  JJ Spaun finished on five under, tied for 42nd, after a disappointing 78, while Open champion Cameron Smith ended on nine under, although his score included a a two-shot penalty injured during the third round after what was judged to be an incorrect drop.