Lucas Glover wins second PGA Tour title, defeating Patrick Cantlay in play-off at St Jude Championship

Posted : 14 August 2023

In a spectacular display of skill and resilience, Lucas Glover clinched his second consecutive PGA Tour triumph, emerging victorious in a thrilling playoff against fellow American Patrick Cantlay at the St. Jude Championship.

Glover secured his triumph with a composed par on the opening hole of the playoff, the 18th, after Cantlay's tee shot sadly found the water hazard. The duo had previously dominated the 72-hole leaderboard, concluding at an impressive 15-under par at the TPC Southwind course in Memphis.

Among the contenders vying for the title, England's Tommy Fleetwood and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy stood out, finishing tied for a commendable third place, just one shot behind the leaders at 14 under par.

Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, Glover expressed, "If you told me this three months ago, I'd tell you you're crazy." His recent victory at the Wyndham Championship, coupled with this triumph, undoubtedly marks an extraordinary stretch for the seasoned golfer.

With a mix of humility and confidence, Glover continued, "It's just one of those sad ways athletes are wired. We always believe in ourselves no matter how bad it is."

For Fleetwood, however, the St. Jude Championship showcased yet another near miss in his remarkable journey. Despite commencing the final round a mere two shots off the lead, he missed a crucial birdie putt on the 18th hole, an opportunity that could have propelled him into the playoff alongside Glover and Cantlay.

Fleetwood's performance throughout the season has been consistently strong, securing a top-10 finish in five of his last six starts. A mixture of frustration and optimism colored his reflection: "It's better than being nowhere near... Of course, it's frustrating, but I think I have to look at it in a positive way."

As the first leg of the FedEx Cup playoffs, the St. Jude Championship set the stage for an intense journey ahead. The top 50 competitors from the 70-player field will advance to the upcoming BMW Championship, a critical juncture from which only the top 30 will qualify for the ultimate Tour Championship in Atlanta in two weeks' time.

Glover's triumphant run holds a deeper significance as he only secured a spot in the playoffs with his recent Wyndham Championship victory. This stunning achievement propels him to fourth place in the FedEx Cup standings, a testament to his unwavering dedication and prowess.

Remarkably, Glover's back-to-back victories also etch his name in history, making him the first golfer over the age of 40 to achieve consecutive PGA Tour wins since Fiji's Vijay Singh accomplished this feat in 2008. Glover's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of athletes who persistently believe in their abilities, even in the face of challenges.

Lucas Glover wins second PGA Tour title, defeating Patrick Cantlay in play-off at St Jude Championship

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