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Golf News: Graeme McDowell wins RBC Heritage in playoff over Webb Simpson

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Graeme McDowell parred the first playoff hole to defeat Webb Simpson at the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links today.  Both former U.S. Open winners had finished at 9-under 275 after on a day when windy conditions, with gusts up to 45 mph, doomed the chances of several other players in contention. The day proved to be the most difficult scoring day of the 2013 season.

McDowell, who shot a 2-under 69, had gotten to 10-under after a birdie at the 16th hole. He then lost a  stroke with his only bogey of the day at the 18th with a three-putt from about 40 feet which set up the prospects of a playoff. The man known as G-MAC took advantage of his experience playing in windy conditions in Ireland and never looked uncomfortable on day when more players shot in the 80’s than in the 60’s.

Simpson, who managed an even par round of 71 with three birdies and three bogeys on the day,  missed a six-foot par putt on the playoff hole after just missing the hole with his third shot from off the green.

“It was really tricky and gusty out there. I’m just really happy to get my first official PGA Tour victory across the line,” McDowell said immediately after his victory.

Luke Donald (69) and Kevin Streelman (72) finished T3rd at 7-under 277.  Donald had gotten his score to 9-under but two late bogeys at the 13th and 15th holes ruined his chances.

Jerry Kelly (71) finished in fifth place at 6-under 278.

Russell Henley (69), Chris Stroud (70) and Charley Hoffman (77) finished T6th at 5-under 279.  Hoffman, the leader at the 54 hole mark after a bogey-free third round, had five bogeys and a double-bogey on the day . He was still in contention at 9-under when he came to the par-3 14th hole but finished the hole with the double bogey after putting his tee shot in the water and never threatened thereafter.

 

By Mike Verrastro

 

Gary Lee

Founder of Bunkers Paradise, Father, Husband, Son, Brother, Friend and Golfer. Twitter @MrGaryLee | LinkedIn.com/MrGaryLee

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