Hahn Wins Northern Trust Open


James Hahn birdied the third sudden-death playoff hole to win the Northern Trust Open. The $6.7 million PGA Tour event was held at the George Thomas-designed Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif.

After closing with a 2-under 69 to end up in regulation at 6-under 278 and tied for the lead with England's Paul Casey, who carded a 68, and South Carolina's Dustin Johnson (69), the 33-year-old Hahn, a resident of California, sank a 25-foot birdie putt to win on the PGA Tour for the first time.

Hahn, who played college golf at Cal, made a clutch par on the 18th hole to go to extra holes. On the first playoff hole, the par-4 18th, all three made pars to move on to the short but tough par-4 10th. Casey was eliminated as both Hahn and Johnson birdied, sending the two to the par-3 14th.

Hahn won when he sank his lengthy birdie putt. "I never would have thought I would win this tournament," he told reporters.

Johnson praised the winner afterward. "Hats off to James, making a long putt like that," Johnson said. "I played with him all day, so I knew he was rolling the putter really well."

Hahn's wife, Stephanie, is expecting their first child the week after the WGC-Cadiallac at Doral, which starts March 5. Even if Hahn stays eligible, he said he won't play in preparation for the big family event.

As for what they'll name his daughter, Hahn quipped, "I'm going to have to talk to my wife about 'Riviera.' I think that's a good name."

The victory assures the South Korean-born Hahn a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour in addition to a spot in the Masters and likely in golf's three other majors. The victory was also worth $1.206 million and 500 FedEx Cup points.

Finishing one stroke out of the playoff was Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, who carded a 67, Keegan Bradley (68), Jordan Spieth (70) and Spain's Sergio Garcia (71).

Retief Goosen, who led or shared the lead through 54 holes, struggled to a 75 and ended up tied for eighth with Kyle Reifers (67), Graham DeLaet (73) and South Korean Sang-Moon Bae (72).

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