Over the years, PGA National has set the stage for some of the most unforgettable moments in golf history. Among these chronicles of sporting excellence, one event that stands out is the 2012 showdown between golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
In this memorable face-off, Woods played his career-best final round on the PGA Tour, intensifying the already palpable pressure on McIlroy. Despite this, the Northern Irishman held his ground, securing a victory at the Honda Classic (now known as the Cognizant Classic) that catapulted him to the top of the world rankings.
Fast forward to 2018, when Justin Thomas clinched a nail-biting victory over Luke List in a playoff after both players concluded the tournament at eight under par. Likewise, in 2023, Chris Kirk triumphed in the tournament after a thrilling round of extra holes.
However, the electrifying excitement that PGA National is renowned for is perhaps best encapsulated in Corey Pavin’s 1992 triumph at the Honda Classic. This victory unfolded in one of the most extraordinary moments in Tour history.
Faced with the par-five 18th hole, Pavin knew that an eagle was necessary to push the match into a playoff with Fred Couples. From 136 yards out, Pavin astonishingly dunked his eight iron straight into the cup, triggering a wave of ecstatic celebrations. After both golfers parred the first playoff hole, Pavin, the 1995 US Open champion, made a birdie on the second extra hole, clinching his tenth PGA Tour event.
Reflecting on his extraordinary victory, Pavin downplayed the feat, saying, “Well, it’s just an eight-iron. It just went in the hole. It’s no big deal. Don’t you think?” He added, “I’ve flown a couple in before but never on the 18th hole or 72nd hole of a tournament to have a chance to win. So it’s a little unique.”
Pavin’s victory at the Honda Classic is widely considered one of the most dramatic endings in PGA Tour history. However, the annals of golf are filled with many such thrilling moments.
In the 2011 PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club, Keegan Bradley was trailing Jason Dufner by five shots with just four holes remaining. Bradley managed to clinch shots on the 16th and 17th holes, while Dufner bogeyed three of his final four holes. The then US Ryder Cup captain went on to birdie the second hole of the three-hole playoff, securing his only major championship to date.
Another iconic finale unfolded during Tiger Woods’ 2000 PGA Championship win. In a tense three-hole playoff with Bob May, Woods sank a birdie putt, creating one of the most emblematic moments in golf history at Valhalla.
In conclusion, the PGA National remains a fertile ground for some of the most remarkable finishes in PGA Tour history, from Pavin’s unexpected eagle to Woods’ iconic birdie putt. These unforgettable moments stand as a testament to the unpredictable excitement that golf continues to offer its fans worldwide.