Gallery: Humana Challenge at La Quinta
Bill Haas encounters some bunker trouble on 18 en route to victory
Bill Haas successfully plays from a bunker- he was in the bunker not his ball - on the 72nd hole to win the Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation
Needing to par the par-5 final hole to win the Humana Challenge, Bill Haas hit his tee shot right on top of the front lip of a fairway bunker. The only way to play right-handed was by standing on the slope of the bunker, with the ball at about hip level. He did consider hitting it left-handed, but “using the little toe of the club left-handed, the water was in play, out of bounds might have been in play, I just didn't feel comfortable doing that," Haas explained afterwards. "I have done the thing before backwards where you do it one-handed and poke it down the fairway. I almost did that." Instead he choked up on an 8-iron - “I easily could have whiffed it or could have chunked it and moved it 5 yards," Haas reflected. But he didn’t. He hit it about 75 yards down the fairway, leaving him 170 yards over water to the green. He got on the green in regulation and two putts later was the winner of the Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation
Michael Putnam lead by one stroke after the first round, reeling off nine birdies in his 63 on the Nicklaus Course at PGA West. But hsi roudn got steaidly hjigehr - 67, 69 and 72 and he ended tied in 15th.
The Humana Challenge was Phil Mickelson’s first tour event of 2015. He finished in a tie for 24th.
On the second day of the Humana Challenge, playing on the Nicklaus Course at PGA West Ryan Palmer matched the PGA Tour record for the most consecutive holes at birdie or eagle. The 38-year-old Texan shot 61, the lowest round of his 957-round tour career.
Erik Compton and Bill Haas walk down the 10th fairway on the final day
Erik Compton was one of four joint leaders going into the fourth day, but a final round 70 dropped him to 10th.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Contributing Writer Roderick is the author of the critically acclaimed comic golf novel, Summer At Tangents. Golf courses and travel are Roderick’s particular interests. He writes travel articles and general features for the magazine, travel supplement and website. He also compiles the magazine's crossword. He is a member of Trevose Golf & Country Club and has played golf in around two dozen countries. Cricket is his other main sporting love. He is also the author of five non-fiction books, four of which are still in print: The Novel Life of PG Wodehouse; The Don: Beyond Boundaries; Wally Hammond: Gentleman & Player and England’s Greatest Post-War All Rounder.
-
Seth Waugh Calls LIV 'A Failed Economic Experiment' And Suggests Donald Trump And Scott O'Neil Could Increase PGA Tour-PIF Deal Chances
Speaking to Golfweek, the former PGA of America boss explained why all parties need a deal and why one might be expedited by two fresh faces...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Justin Thomas Sends Memo To PGA Tour Peers Advocating Closer TV-Player Relationships To Help Viewing Experience
Penning a lengthy letter to the PGA Tour membership, Thomas explained that 'more access and insight' can make a 'world of difference' to golf's overall viewing experience
By Matt Cradock Published
-
7 Cheapest PGA Tour Green Fees
These courses all offer the PGA Tour experience for prices that won't break the bank
By Elliott Heath Published
-
James Nitties Facts: 24 Things You Didn't Know About The Australian Broadcaster And Former Pro
Discover more about former professional golfer and current broadcaster, James Nitties via these facts regarding his life and career so far...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
What Are Xander Schauffele's Stock Yardages?
The American enjoyed a phenomenal 2024, picking up two Major scalps in the process. Here, we take a look at how far he hits every club in the bag
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Nate Lashley Facts: 15 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour Pro
Nate Lashley has faced tragedy and triumph during his life and career - here are 15 facts about the PGA Tour star
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rico Hoey Facts: 15 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour Golfer
Rico Hoey has two wins as a professional and plays on the PGA Tour - here are some facts you may not know about the American-Filipino golfer
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
PGA Tour Money List 2024: How Much The Top Earners Made
Scottie Scheffler topped the 2024 PGA Tour Official Money List, with the average winnings for the season listed as just under $2m
By Paul Higham Published
-
How Can I Play Black Desert Resort? And How Much Is A Green Fee?
Black Desert Resort is the newest PGA Tour venue and such a stunning course is sure to attract plenty of attention. But how do you play it and how much would it cost? Here, we take a look
By Paul Higham Published
-
Wenyi Ding Facts: 14 Things To Know About The Chinese Golfer
After a stellar college career Wenyi Ding is set to join the pros, get to know him more with our 12 facts
By Paul Higham Last updated