Monday, 15 August 2011 11:52 AM
The fourth and final major of 2011 ended in high drama as US rookie Keegan Bradley, who had earlier trailed by five shots with three holes remaining, beat compatriot Jason Dufner in a play-off.
Bradley looked to have blown his chance at the US PGA in Atlanta when he triple-bogeyed the 15th, but birdies at the 16th and 17th - where he holed a mammoth 40-yard putt - took him back to eight-under.
Meanwhile, Dufner shot bogeys at the 15th, 16th and 17th to leave the pair tied ahead of Dane Anders Hansen and set up a three-hole shoot-out.
Bradley then hit a birdie and two pars in the play-off to secure a famous win and become only the second man since 1913 to claim a major at the first attempt after Ben Curtis claimed the 2003 Open.
The 25-year-old, who was the world number 108 at the start of the tournament, ended the USs major championship drought, securing a first title since Phil Mickelsons 2010 Masters triumph.
He also became the first man to clinch a major using a long putter, as well as the seventh first-time winner in a row in golfs four biggest tournaments.
I cant believe it, I feel so proud, said Bradley, whose aunt is a six-time major winner on the LPGA tour and a member of the sports Hall of Fame. It seems like a dream and Im afraid Im going to wake up here in the next five minutes and its not going to be real.
World number 80 Dufner, who is still looking for his first tour win at the age of 34, was left to rue his inability to close the win out.
I dont feel like I was nervous, he said. I knew what was at stake. I was confident with my game but just didnt quite execute a couple of shots coming in. Those are tough holes, but it was disappointing. Theres a lot to be learnt from this.
Britains Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, the world numbers one and two respectively, endured a disappointing final day.
Both finished five shots behind the leaders, with Donald particularly disappointed to have fallen off the pace after carding two bogeys on the back nine.
It was a missed opportunity again, he remarked. At the beginning of the day I thought if I could get to six or seven-under I might have a chance. At four-under through 12 and still being three back I thought I had to press a bit and take on some pins. I took a tighter line than I normally would on 15 but I just hit a poor shot. I didnt strike it well enough.
Westwood, meanwhile, made a good start but was unable to mount a serious challenge, ending with a bogey at the last.
I played lovely again. Its just one of those things, the 38-year-old commented.I have enjoyed playing great for a long time now, but unfortunately when I turn up to majors and I dont win its a disappointing week for everybody it seems - and obviously for me.
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