Immelman Secures Maiden USPGA Tour Win
- Tuesday, 11 July 2006
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South Africa’s Trevor Immelman held off a strong challenge from world number one Tiger Woods on Sunday to secure his first ever USPGA Tour victory at the Cialis Western Open in Illinois.
Victory was greeted with a genuine outpouring of emotion from the 26 year-old from Cape Town – understandable after his narrow defeats earlier in the year at the Wachovia Championship and the Byron Nelson Classic. Three birdies in the last four holes proved enough to hold off Woods, who had started his final round sluggishly but once again executed one of his famous charges down the back nine.
Immelman put some gloss on his final round of 67 with a long-range birdie at the 18th, meaning that Vijay Singh was the only man capable of catching him at -13. In the end the Fijian pushed his final tee shot left, thus eradicating any slim hope that he had of overhauling the South African.
Immelman’s rise has been meteoric in the last couple of seasons. Having been tipped for stardom by his compatriot Ernie Els, Immelman made the headlines by securing four victories on the European Tour and finishing fifth at the 2005 Masters.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” Immelman said in the aftermath of the win.
“Obviously it hasn’t sunk in yet but it was a fantastic day.”
Key Moment: Immelman’s long-range birdie at the final hole, which all but secured victory.
Quote, Unquote: “It was just a matter of time before he won. He’s been close a couple of times this year and obviously he has an inordinate amount of talent.” Woods is gracious in defeat.
