Bethesda, United States: Britain’s Justin Rose won for the first time since capturing last year’s US Open, parring the first play-off hole to defeat Shawn Stefani and take the $6.5 million (Dh23.9 million) US PGA National.
The 33-year-old Englishman and Stefani, seeking his first PGA triumph, finished 72 holes deadlocked on four-under par 280 after both fired one-under 70s on Sunday.
Rose hit into the trees and the water at the last regulation hole but sank a 15-foot bogey putt to stay tied for the lead, then watched the American match his watery fate at the same 18th hole to lose the play-off.
After claiming the $1.1 million top prize, Rose will take a week off before playing the Scottish Open as his final warm-up for the 143rd British Open at Royal Liverpool starting July 17.
“It’s a huge boost confidence-wise for sure,” Rose said. “I haven’t really been playing with a lead all year. To do it and get it done and make key putts, that’s huge for my psyche going into a major championship.”
Rose won his first major title last year at Merion, struggled trying to defend the US Open crown two weeks ago at Pinehurst, but on Sunday won his sixth US crown.
“It has not been lost on me that I have not won for over a year so it was nice to get on the right side of that very quickly,” Rose said.
Rose also won the 2010 National when it was played at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia.
“It’s the first double-winner I am of any tournament and to be double-winner of this one, it means a lot,” Rose said.
A Congressional Country Club layout that hosted three US Opens, most recently when Rory McIlroy won in soggy conditions in 2011, played hard and fast and as formidable as many majors in the final round.
“If I had not won the US Open, I might be looking to claim this as a US Open,” Rose said.
“I think Congressional wanted its reputation back. It tested all of us.”
To begin the play-off, Stefani pulled his tee shot left into trees. He took relief from a grandstand obstruction, but then sent his approach into the water left of the green where Rose ventured earlier.
“It’s one of the most intimidating looking shots in golf,” Rose said of the second at 18.
With a second chance from the fairway, Rose put his approach on the green and two-putted for par and the victory.
“It was nice to get a second lifeline at it,” Rose said.
