Harmeling Beats Dougherty In Playoff To Win The Savannah Golf Championship, His First Korn Ferry Tour Victory

Evan Harmeling

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAVANNAH, Georgia — Evan Harmeling made a 10-foot birdie putt on the last hole for a 3-under 69, and then made birdie on the first playoff hole to beat Kevin Dougherty and win the Savannah Golf Championship for his first Korn Ferry Tour victory.

Harmeling had a one-shot lead going into the final round but was passed by Doughtery, who had six birdies in 15 holes for a two-shot lead. Dougherty dropped a shot on the par-3 17th, and Harmeling forced the playoff with his birdie on the par-5 18th. Doughtery missed his birdie putt for the win and closed with a 68.

Dougherty drove into a fairway bunker on the playoff and had to lay up, two-putting from 25 feet for par. Harmeling converted another 10-foot birdie putt for the win.

Harmeling, who won in Jamaica last year on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica, moved to No. 32 on the Korn Ferry Tour points list in his rookie season. He is the 16th first-time winner this year.