Star-gazer Jimmy Walker made it four maiden Major Champion’s this season and for a first time in five years by capturing the rain-affected PGA Championship at Baltusrol.
The Texas-born Walker was a gleaming ‘Lone Star’ leading from start-to-finish and including playing 36-holes on the closing day to win by a single shot with last round 68 for a 14-under par tally.
Thunderstorms on Saturday left Walker and nine others staring at two rounds on the last day of the year’s final Major and with the 37-year San Antonio player first keeping his nose in front with a 54th hole birdie ahead of tackling the final 18.
Walker had three hours to kill in between the close of his third round and the start of his last and spent the time taking a shower and relaxing in his luxury motor home parked on site at Baltursol.
Walker, who also loves dabbling in astrophotography via a remote camera he’s got set up in a secret New Mexico location, set up a first Major triumph and distanced himself from his rivals with a dazzling birdie, birdie blitz at the 10th and 11th holes.
The American had pared his opening nine before holing a brilliant 45-foot bunker shot at the 10th and then draining a super 30-footer at the next.
Former champion, Padraig Harrington expressed his delight in seeing Walker handed the Rodman Wanamaker trophy, and after the Dubliner posted a superb last day 68 for a share of 12th place on six under par.
“I am pleased to see Jimmy win as I like to see the guy who plays the best win”, said Harrington.
Aussie and defending champ, Jason Day, and despite a gallant eagle at the 72nd holes. was runner-up with a 67 for a 13-under par tally but spoiling his hopes of repeat glory with bogeys at his first and third holes.
Swede Henrik Stenson blew his chance of winning back-to-back Majors when he flew the green at the 15th into deep and wet rough, and then take four shots to get down from 32-feet.
Stenson had played to perfection for three rounds posting three straight 67s before ending with a 71 and a share of eighth place at eight under par.
And Jordan Spieth ended his Major’s season by matching Harrington’s last round 68 and also share 13th spot with the Dubliner.




