Fowler closes deal, wins Honda Classic by four strokes

ByReuters

Published 26/02/2017 at 23:12 GMT

Feb 26 (Reuters) - American Rickie Fowler flirted with a late disaster before clinching a four-stroke victory at the $6.4 million Honda Classic in Florida on Sunday.

Eurosport

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Fowler, previously 0-for-4 after starting the final round leading on the PGA Tour, frittered away almost all of his four-stroke advantage on a breezy day at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens.

But he steadied a leaky ship by sinking consecutive long birdie putts, a 40-footer at the 12th hole followed by a 25-footer at the next, and extended his lead to five strokes with two holes left.

He inexplicably found a water hazard with a poor seven-iron tee shot at the par-three 17th, but after taking a penalty stroke salvaged a bogey before taking a victory stroll down the last.

Masters