Thomas claims three-shot win at Tournament of Champions

Justin Thomas conquered sunny Hawaii with a dramatic win at the SBS Tournament of Champions to earn his third PGA Tour victory on Sunday.

Published : Jan 09, 2017 09:50 IST

Justin Thomas won by three shots at 22 under after carding a four-under 69 in the final round.
Justin Thomas won by three shots at 22 under after carding a four-under 69 in the final round.
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Justin Thomas won by three shots at 22 under after carding a four-under 69 in the final round.

Justin Thomas conquered sunny Hawaii with a dramatic win at the SBS Tournament of Champions to earn his third PGA Tour victory on Sunday.

The 23-year-old rising star entered the final round with a two-shot lead, which grew to five on the back nine, but a Hideki Matsuyama eagle on the par-four 14th hole tightened the gap.

Thomas then double-bogeyed the par-five 15th hole after hooking his second shot into the hazard.

The rest of his hole did not go well either, and Matsuyama, who entered the tournament having won four of his last five events, sensed victory. But Thomas would not be denied his first win on American soil.

With the lead cut to a distressing one stroke, Thomas hit a brilliant approach shot into the par-four 17th to put pressure back on Matsuyama.

Thomas made the birdie putt and Matsuyama three-putted for bogey.

Thomas ultimately won by three shots at 22 under after carding a four-under 69 in the final round.

Matsuyama, who now has three wins and two runners-up finishes in his last five starts, came in second at 19 under after a 70.

"I know I'm coming back here next year, and I couldn't be more excited about that," Thomas said on NBC.

Jordan Spieth fought hard on Sunday to climb into a tie for third at 16 under after firing an eight-under 65.

Ryan Moore and Pat Perez also finished at 16 under.

For Thomas, this was his second win already this season after defending his title at the CIMB Classic.

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