It was a home game for Atlanta native Chris Kirk this week, as the PGA Tour made its annual stop in Sea Island, Ga., for the McGladrey Classic. Kirk was able to hold off PGA Tour journeyman Briny Baird for his second-career PGA Tour win, as well as an exemption into his first Masters Tournament in April.
Kirk and Baird started the day tied for the lead at 10-under, but Baird opened things up with birdies on two of the first four holes to give himself a two-shot lead. Kirk then made two birdies of his own on holes Nos. 7 and 9 to once again bring the two to a deadlock.
Kirk then made two more birdies at Nos. 11 and 12 to take a two-shot lead, but Baird answered back immediately with a pair of birdies on Nos. 13 and 14. Meanwhile, Kirk carded a bogey on No. 14 to once again give Baird the lead. The two made pars until the penultimate hole, when Kirk dropped a 10-foot birdie putt to bring things to a stalemate heading to the last hole. It was there where Baird made his most costly mistake of the week, as he bogeyed on the 72nd hole to finish one shot behind Kirk’s 14-under-par total.
Tim Clark went somewhat under the radar on Sunday, carding an 8-under 64 to come from six shots back and tie for second with Baird.
The McGladrey Classic marked the 365th start on tour for Baird, who is still looking for his first win to go along with six runner-up finishes. Baird’s inability to close left a bitter taste in many fans mouths after the round. His underdog story had grabbed the attention of many, creating the biggest headline going into the final round.
-GolfWRX
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