Justin Thomas clinches RBC Heritage title with dramatic playoff birdie

Justin Thomas ended a nearly three-year title drought by winning the RBC Heritage in thrilling fashion on Sunday, draining a 21-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to edge out Andrew Novak at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Both Thomas and Novak finished the tournament at 17-under 267 after 72 holes, forcing a playoff. While Novak was chasing his first-ever PGA Tour win, Thomas, a two-time major champion, secured his first victory since the 2022 PGA Championship.

Thomas carded a bogey-free 3-under 68 in the final round, closing with three consecutive pars. Novak, in the final pairing for the third time this season, also signed for a 68, but narrowly missed an 8-foot birdie putt on the 18th that would have sealed the win in regulation.

Thomas had held the lead after the opening two rounds and reclaimed it late in the final round with a 24½-foot birdie on the 15th. Novak responded with a 17-foot birdie on the 16th to stay in contention, but couldn’t match Thomas’ playoff magic.

Daniel Berger posted a 65 to tie for third at 14 under alongside Brian Harman, Maverick McNealy, and Mackenzie Hughes. England’s Tommy Fleetwood finished one shot behind them at 13 under after a final-round 70.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler surged with three birdies in five holes but faltered with a double-bogey on the 15th and a bogey on 17 to card a 70 and tie for eighth at 12 under. He shared the spot with Russell Henley and third-round leader Si Woo Kim, who struggled to a 74, including a double-bogey on the 14th.

Bud Cauley delivered the lowest round of the day with a 64, finishing at 7 under and tied for 32nd place.

SportsLigue