Walker Rallies for Victory in Sony Open


Jimmy Walker fired a sterling 7-under 63 Sunday to win the Sony Open. The $5.6 million PGA Tour event took place at Waialea Country Club in Honolulu.

Walker carded two birdies on the front nine and five more on the back to overcome a two-stroke deficit entering the final round and finish at 17-under 263. The win, the career second for the 34-year-old Oklahoman, was worth $1.008 million and 500 FedEx Cup points.

Walker finished a stroke ahead of 54-hole leader Chris Kirk, who shot 66, and two in front Jerry Kelly, who closed with a 65.

"Today was awesome," Walker told a TV reporter. "I felt in control all day with my emotions. I made a key par putt (from 12 feet) on 14, which was really big, and then the string of birdies (to finish) there was pretty awesome."

Walker had 188 career starts before getting his first PGA Tour title in last October's Frys.com Open. Only five tournaments later, he was celebrating his second. "You learn so much out here and it took me a long time to do it," he said of his maiden victory. "I feel like I did learn a lot that week.

"I felt very calm and in control and that's what everybody has kind of been saying. That's what you've got to feel and do when it's time to win. Today I stayed patient."

Harris English ended up in fourth at 266 after a 67, while Marc Leishman (65) took fifth at 267. Brian Stuard, who had the 36-hole lead following two straight 65s, shot 71 and 67 over the weekend to end up in sixth at 268.

Jeff Overton ended up at 269 after a 68. There was a logjam in eighth at 270. The group included Charles Howell III (66), Adam Scott (66), Matt Kuchar (66), Kevin Na (66), Matt Every (67), Hudson Swafford (67), Ryan Palmer (68), Zach Johnson (69), Hideto Tanihara (69), Retief Goosen (69), Pat Perez (69) and Will Wilcox (71).

Defending champion Russell Henley posted his second straight 69 to finish tied for 51st at 276.

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