Emotional Woodland Seals First Win Since Brain Surgery

Woodland led by 1 changeable overnight aft Hojgaard, chasing his first PGA Tour win, backed up a sublime eight-under-par 62 connected Friday pinch a seven-under-par 63 connected Saturday.

But nan American showed singular calm and power connected a masterful beforehand nine, featuring 4 birdies, to move into a lead he ne'er looked for illustration relinquishing.

Hojgaard besides had 2 bogeys and 1 double bogey, contempt 2 birdies, successful his first 10 holes to boost Woodland's chances.

The Dane closed nan spread to 5 shots connected nan 14th spread - uncovering a birdie while Woodland carded a bogey - past 4 shots pinch different birdie connected nan 16th.

But Woodland matched him pinch a par connected 17 and different par astatine nan last, while Hojgaard dropped different shot.

Woodland received a lukewarm reception from nan crowd down nan stretch, which turned to rapturous applause and chants of "Gary, Gary" arsenic he sank his putt for victory.

It is Woodland's 5th PGA Tour triumph and possibly sets him up to situation astatine nan first awesome of nan play astatine adjacent month's Masters.

When asked astir his chances astatine Augusta, he emphasised he still had individual and intelligence issues to activity on, but added: "My crippled is amended than it's ever been."

American Johnny Keefer and Australia's Min Woo Lee tied for third, 1 changeable down Hojgaard, connected 15 under.

Reflecting connected his achievement, Woodland said he was "most proud" that he "didn't springiness up" connected his profession complete a difficult past fewer years.

He added: "I tried to slow down and return things successful because it didn't consciousness for illustration this was imaginable a mates of years ago."