Nick Taylor, the Canadian golfer who shot a course-record 60 in the opening round, clinched his fourth PGA Tour title by defeating Charley Hoffman in a playoff at the Phoenix Open on Sunday. Taylor birdied four of the last five holes he played, including an 11-foot putt on the second playoff hole, to cap a thrilling finish at the TPC Scottsdale.
Taylor Rallies from Three Shots Down
Taylor, who hails from Abbotsford, B.C., started the final round with a one-shot lead over Hoffman, but fell behind by three shots after bogeying the 14th hole. Taylor did not give up, and birdied the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes to tie with Hoffman at 21-under par. Taylor then made a clutch 9-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to force a playoff with Hoffman, who had finished his round with a 66.
“I knew I had to make some birdies coming in, and I was able to do that,” Taylor said. “I was just trying to stay calm and hit good shots, and I was able to do that.”
Taylor and Hoffman Trade Birdies in Playoff
The playoff started on the 18th hole, where both players hit the green in regulation and made birdie putts. Taylor made a 6-footer, while Hoffman made a 4-footer. The playoff then moved to the 10th hole, where both players hit the fairway, but Taylor had a better angle to the green. Taylor hit his approach shot to 11 feet, while Hoffman hit his to 25 feet. Hoffman missed his birdie putt, while Taylor calmly rolled in his to seal the victory.
“It feels amazing,” Taylor said. “It was a crazy week, with all the weather delays and everything, but I’m just so happy to get the win.”
Taylor Celebrates with Family and Friends
Taylor, who won his first PGA Tour title at the 2014 Sanderson Farms Championship, had an emotional win at the 2023 Canadian Open, where he became the first Canadian in 69 years to win his national open. He made a 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole to beat Dustin Johnson, and was tackled by his friend and fellow Canadian golfer Adam Hadwin.
Taylor had another memorable celebration at the Phoenix Open, where he was joined by his wife Andie, his son Charlie, and his parents. Taylor also received congratulations from his fellow Canadian golfers, such as Hadwin, Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, and Mike Weir.
“It’s awesome to have their support,” Taylor said. “They’re great guys and great players, and I’m proud to be part of the Canadian golf scene.”