In a thrilling finish at the Colonial, Russell Henley emerged victorious after a dramatic playoff against Eric Cole. Henley’s late-game prowess was on display as he birdied the last three holes in regulation, leading to a playoff extension.
Russell Henley’s Victory at the Colonial
Henley clinched his sixth PGA Tour title at the Charles Schwab Classic, held in Fort Worth, Texas. He earned a prize of $1.78 million, along with a plaid jacket and a customized 1982 Jeep Scrambler. This victory served to deny Cole, a fellow 37-year-old, his first PGA Tour win.
Final Round Highlights
Henley played a strong final round, finishing with a 3-under 67, which brought his total score to 12 under par. His birdies included impressive putts of 15 feet on the 16th and 17th holes, concluding his regulation with a 17-foot birdie on the 18th. In contrast, Cole managed an even-par 70.
- Henley birdied the final three holes to tie Cole.
- Cole parred the final seven holes, including the playoff.
- Both players finished one stroke ahead of Ben Griffin, Alex Smalley, and Mac Meissner.
Playoff Details
The playoff took place on the 18th hole once more, with both players teeing off from the fairway. Henley’s approach shot preceded Cole’s, who made it near 13 feet but failed to convert his birdie attempt.
Cole’s Round and Challenges
This was Cole’s 120th PGA Tour start. During the final round, he maintained the lead until the ninth hole, where he faced his first double bogey in 316 holes. Despite challenges, including hitting into the water and a difficult bogey putt, Cole demonstrated resilience with several key saves down the stretch.
Historical Context
Ben Griffin, the defending champion, had a strong front nine but fell short of a second consecutive win. Historically, Ben Hogan is the only player with back-to-back victories at Colonial, achieving this in 1946-1947 and again in 1952-1953.
This victory marks an important milestone for Russell Henley, showcasing his ability to navigate high-pressure situations effectively. The Colonial remains a significant tournament in the golf calendar, celebrated for its challenging layout and rich history.
