Max Homa defended his title at the Fortinet Championship in California after a remarkable final hole battle with Danny Willett.
On 16-under going into the final hole, Willett held a one-shot lead over Homa. When he laid up to within three feet of the pin, leaving himself with a birdie putt on the par-5, it looked as though the $1.44 million first prize would be going to the Englishman.
However, Homa chipped in from the edge of the green to birdie the hole, taking him level with Willett on 16-under.
Still, Willett had a putt to win, and the safety net of another which would have taken the tournament to a playoff. Incredible, he three-putted to hand the title to the American.
Max Homa vs Danny Willett Fortinet Championship final hole
"Justin [Lower's putt] obviously stayed right on the first one, which was a bit strange with how I was seeing mine," explained a remarkably calm Willett.
"I saw mine pretty nicely left to right. I've hit it far too hard. On the way back, because of where he's coming from, I thought it was straighter again. It just ended up tailing off and missing left.
"Disappointing way to finish but you know first outing this season, to be in contention, things are in a good place. We'll live to fight another day."
Willett does have the consolation of the $872,000 second prize. Had he won, it would have been his first victory on the PGA Tour since the 2016 Masters.
"It was kind of a wild finish," said Homa.
"The last three minutes are kind of a blur. But I played really good golf. I played solid."
The moment you had 1 hand on the trophy….then…🙈
Crowds were awesome all week @FortinetChamp & nice to be in the final group for the weekend.
Congrats to @maxhoma23 , good luck in the presidents cup next week 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zsDK6szIdO— Danny Willett (@Danny_Willett) September 19, 2022
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