Justin Thomas won the US PGA Championship over the weekend by defeating Will Zalatoris in a play-off after both men finished 5 under in the final round. Thomas won the three-hole play-off with a two-putted par as he claimed his first Major title since 2017. Mito Pereira, who shared the lead with Thomas and Zalatoris at some point, fumbled at the 18th hole to settle for third place at 4 under. Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick shared the fifth spot at three under. Northern Irishman Rory McIlory finished at 2 under.

Thomas began the day from seven behind and was over after six holes. Pereira, who had the overnight lead with three shots, further increased his lead after the first hole but made bogeys at the third. Things got worse after Zalatoris posted back-to-back birdies after the fourth, shortening Pereira’s lead. But the Chilean recovered his pace at the fifth hole as Zalatoris bogeyed the sixth.

All this while, Thomas was slowly trying to catch up with them, and although he had a slow start, he was able to take the lead after making four birdies in the last 10 holes. He was able to meet the clubhouse target of five under after the last hole, after a final round of three-under 67. But Zalatoris was able to match that target as well, resulting in a three-hole play-off.

The first hold of the play-off saw the two men make birdies. Thomas made another birdie on the second hole, where Zalatoris missed. Zalatoris was again unlucky at the third hole, where Thomas was able to win with a two-putt par.

Thus ended Thomas’ five-year drought without a Major win. The 29-year-old, who was 15 PGA titles, said that he was nervous as he entered the final round but did his best, and it paid off for him.

Written by: Leon Osamor