It was a weekend of redemption on the PGA and European Tours, as two players proved hard work and determination really do payoff. Read about all the action from the Phoenix Open and Saudi International and see the gear the pros are winning with, available now at GolfOnline.
Simpson Secures 6th Title
The Waste Management Phoenix Open is always a fun tournament. This year’s event didn’t disappoint and gave American Webb Simpson the win he’s been working so hard for.
Simpson began the final round one-stroke behind his friend, Tony Finau. Both finished the day at 17-under 267 to force a playoff. In the end, it was Simpson’s day, as the 34-year-old won with a 10-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole.
“I definitely didn't give him the tournament,” Finau told reporters on Sunday. Adding, “I love Webb. I think the camaraderie that I have with him as being one of my best friends out here, it would have been hard for either one of us to take this victory from each other. He got the upper hand this time, but I love that guy.”
The victory was a bit bitter sweet for Simpson, as he talked afterwards about going head-to-head with Finau.
“It’s hard. He is a great friend,” Simpson said. “Our wives are friends and he's one of the best guys on TOUR. So it is a bit tough.”
This marks Simpson’s sixth PGA Tour title, his first since winning The PLAYERS Championship in 2018. The Titleist player is now second in the FedEx Cup standings.
While Finau might have lost the tournament, he won the hearts of many spectators throughout the week. On Thursday the self-confessed basketball fanatic honoured the late Kobe Bryant on the iconic 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale.
Here’s a look at Simpson’s winning bag:
Driver:
Titleist TS3
Fairway Woods:
Titleist TS2, Titleist 913Fd
Hybrid: Titleist 913Hd; Titleist 915Hd
Irons:
Titleist 620 MB
Wedges:
Titleist Vokey SM7; Titleist Vokey prototype
Putter: Odyssey Tank Cruiser V-Line Mid
Ball:
Titleist Pro V1
McDowell Proves He’s Still Got it
Over on the European Tour, Graeme McDowell proved he still has what it takes to close the deal, winning the Saudi International by two-strokes over Dustin Johnson.
The win bumps the 40-year-old back up into the world’s top 50 and marks his first European Tour victory in six years.
“It’s special,” McDowell told reporters on Sunday. “I’ve worked hard the last year and a half to be back up there one more time playing against these top guys.”
Adding, “I’ve got young kids at home and I want to show them that dad’s tough and dad can do it. I don’t want to have to pull up the YouTube videos.”
Take a peek inside the Northern Irishman’s winning bag:
Driver:
Srixon Z 785
Fairway Woods:
Callaway Mavrik;
Srixon Z F85
Hybrid: Ping G410
Irons: Srixon Z 565; Srixon Z 745
Wedges: Cleveland RTX 2.0 Custom
Putter: Odyssey White Hot #7
Ball:
Srixon Z Star XV
