Taylor Pendrith wins maiden PGA Tour title at the CJ Cup

Canadian Taylor Pendrith has won his maiden PGA TOUR event, capturing THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch with a winning score of -23.

Pendrith, 32, hit five birdies and a bogey to claim his first victory in 74 tour starts, with his previous best finish a runner-up spot in Detroit in 2022.

Pendrith trailed Ben Kohles by one shot approaching the last after the American had birdied both the 16th and 17th but a poor drive from Kohles on 18 left him with an uphill battle. Missing his par putt, which might have set up a play-off, Pendrith coolly drained his birdie putt.

Pendrith had moved to 22 under for the tournament after a birdie at the 12th but he failed to pick up another shot for the next five holes as Kohles made his late charge to move onto 23 under.

But when the 32-year-old Canadian, who had led by one shot going into the final round but who has struggled with wrist and shoulder injuries, was presented with his winning opportunity courtesy of a three foot putt, he made no mistake.

English pair Aaron Rai and Matt Wallace finished in a four-way tie for fourth on 20 under while 16-year-old amateur Kris Kim closed with a round of 73 for a two over total.

16-year-old amateur Kris Kim, the youngest player since 2015 to make a PGA Tour cut  had his first over-par round of the week with a closing 73. Kim, who played on a sponsor exemption from the South Korean company and tournament title sponsor CJ Group, before he returns to the UK to sit school exams!!

Zach Johnson made his 500th start this week in a PGA TOUR career that began two decades ago. It now includes a dozen wins, with two major championships. The TOUR recognised Johnson for his 500th start after his Wednesday pro-am, presenting him with a platter and a cake. The Salesmanship Club of Dallas, which operates the 98-year-old tournament, gifted a Stetson cowboy hat with gold engraving.