Kodaira becomes just the fifth Japanese player to win on the PGA Tour
Ian Poulter Fades As Satoshi Kodaira Wins RBC Heritage
Satoshi Kodaira became just the fifth Japanese golfer to win on the PGA Tour after victory at the RBC Heritage.
The 28-year-old beat Si Woo Kim on the third playoff hole at Harbour Town after Kim spurned a couple of great chances late on in regulation.
Related: Satoshi Kodaira What's in the bag? - RBC Heritage winning clubs
Kodaira holed a 25 footer on the par-3 17th, the third playoff hole, to win his biggest title to date.
The six-time Japan Golf Tour winner moves up to a career-high of 27th in the world and is now a PGA Tour member.
“This is a stage I’ve been dreaming about,” Kodaira said after victory.
“And having this opportunity to play [the PGA Tour] fulltime is a dream come true."
Related: How to get tickets for the 2019 Masters
Kodaira made the press room laugh with his answer to the question about his new plaid jacket.
“I will probably not wear it regularly,” he said through an interpreter. “But this is special.”
Kodaira's final day highlights:
Ian Poulter was looking for his second PGA Tour victory in three starts and held the lead after 54 holes in what was his sixth straight week out on Tour.
He came home in 40 to sign for a 75 and end in a tie for 7th, three strokes back of the playoff. A level par 71 would have been enough for victory.
Related: Tiger Woods' backup putter sells for $44k
RBC Heritage leaderboard:
1 Satoshi Kodaira -12
2 Si Woo Kim -12
T3 Bryson DeChambeau -11
T3 Luke List -11
T5 Billy Horschel -10
T5 Webb Simpson -10
T7 Byeong Hun An -9
T7 Patrick Cantlay -9
T7 Bill Haas -9
T7 Chesson Hadley -9
T7 Kevin Kisner -9
T7 Ian Poulter -9
T7 Kevin Streelman -9
*Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage
-
Should Some Men Use Women’s Golf Clubs?Could a swap to women’s golf clubs help some men’s games? Is it a realistic option to make the switch? We spoke to a PGA pro to get the answer
-
Stock Up For Summer With These 9 Big Spring Sale Golf Ball DealsSummer is coming and we have found some great deals on golf balls to keep you well stocked
-
Who Is Jacob Bridgeman's Fiancée?Jacob Bridgeman is one of the rising stars of the PGA Tour, but who is his partner?
-
Who Is Luke Clanton's Caddie? Meet Jason WiertelLuke Clanton was one of the first graduates from the PGA Tour U Accelerated program and has been with his caddie since long before turning professional
-
Takumi Kanaya Facts: 20 Things You Didn't Know About The Japanese GolferFind out more about Japanese professional golfer, Takumi Kanaya's life and career in the game so far via these facts...
-
Mac Meissner Facts: 16 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour ProGet to know American professional golfer, Mac Meissner, with these facts about his life and career in the game so far...
-
Kristoffer Ventura Facts: 16 Things You Didn't Know About The Norwegian GolferDiscover more about professional golfer, Kristoffer Ventura via these facts about his life and career in the game so far...
-
Greyson Sigg Facts: 17 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour ProGet to know American professional golfer, Greyson Sigg with these facts about his life and career in the game so far...
-
Who Is J.J. Spaun's Wife?J.J Spaun has been married to wife Melody since 2019 - here's what we know about her
-
Who Is JJ Spaun's Caddie? Meet Mark CarensFind out more about Massachusetts-born Mark Carens, who has enjoyed a highly-successful career to date and has been on the bag of JJ Spaun since April 2021
