Thomas victorious after three playoff holes

Justin Thomas birdied the first two holes of a three-hole aggregate playoff against fellow American Will Zalatoris to win the PGA Championship for the second time, at the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Thomas, who also won the major in 2017, began the day seven strokes behind leader Mito Pereira of Chile.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – MARCH 11: Justin Thomas of the United States plays a tee shot on the 11th hole during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship on March 11, 2022 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire)
Photo: Photosport

He shot a 3-under-par 67 to finish at 5 under, a mark matched by Zalatoris.

Thomas and Zalatoris played holes 13, 17 and 18 in the playoff.

They both notched birdies on the par-5 13th and then Thomas went ahead with a birdie on the next hole.

Thomas had a tap-in par at the 18th to clinch the championship.

Pereira, who led or shared the lead for most of the final two rounds, went to the 18th tee with a one-shot advantage.

But his tee shot found a water hazard and he ended up with a double bogey and a final-round 75.

He tied for third place with Cameron Young (71) at 4 under.

ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 04: Will Zalatoris of the United States hits his tee shot at the 14th hole during the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 4, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)
Photo: Photosport

Thomas, wins the biggest payout of the majors, picking up $4.2 million for his victory and also receives the biggest trophy – the Wanakaer which stands 76cm tall.

The final day didn’t include Tiger Woods, who withdrew for the first time in a major in an announcement that came following the completion of Saturday’s third round.

Woods was 12 over and tied for 76th after the third round.

New Zealand Ryan Fox finished 54th at six over par, earning $46 thousand.

-Reuters