Taylor Pendrith outlasts Ben Kohles at Byron Nelson for maiden win

Field Level Media|published: Sun 5th May, 18:32 2024

May 5, 2024; McKinney, Texas, USA; Taylor Pendrith waves after sinking a birdie putt on 12th green during the final round of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson golf tournament. credits: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Taylor Pendrith of Canada birdied the par-5 18th hole to beat Ben Kohles and win the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in a dramatic finish on Sunday at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.

Pendrith was stuck on 22 under for five straight holes, parring Nos. 13-17 while playing partner Kohles made impressive birdies at the 16th and 17th greens to tie and then pass him for the lead.

But Kohles missed the 18th fairway and came up short of the green, landing between two bunkers. He couldn't get his third shot up onto the green, and once he finally did, he missed a 5-foot par save. That reopened the door for Pendrith, whose lag putt from 41 feet left him 3 feet for the winning birdie and his first career PGA Tour victory.

Pendrith posted a final-round 67 to go 23-under 261 for the week. Kohles' 66 powered him to the runner-up finish, and Swedish veteran Alex Noren placed third at 21 under after a Sunday 65.

—Field Level Media