Title Triumph: Jimmy Walker Wins First Major at PGA Championship
In a nail-biting finish at the PGA Championship, Jimmy Walker clinched his first major title. With Jason Day leading the world rankings, the competition was intense. Despite Day's impressive eagle at the final hole granting him a considerable chance to retain his title, Walker remained resilient, securing a hard-fought par and seizing the coveted Wanamaker Trophy.
"Golf isn't always easy," Walker commented post-victory at Springfield, New Jersey. "Day is an exceptional champion, and I wouldn't have expected anything less – the last eagle."
"I had to hole a par, and it wasn't easy to make par. But I managed."
Walker's composure during the challenging ninth hole was commendable, although he admitted to feeling nerves.
"There are many emotions involved, and I'm not lying. It's tough, it's surprising."
Day missed a promising birdie opportunity at the penultimate hole, which he regretted. Subsequently, he chose an iron for his approach at the 18th hole, making a beautiful approach shot to set up a chance for an eagle finish.
However, the cheers behind him from the gallery signaled a birdie from Walker on the 17th hole, throwing Day off his mark. Walker's birdie putt appeared to miss the target, but an unexpected turn of events saw the ball drop into the hole.
The 37-year-old appeared to hit his putt slightly short on the 18th green, giving himself a difficult three-foot putt to secure the title. The pressure proved too much as he misjudged the putt, but his raw determination earned him a crucial second chance.
Walker finished his final round with a stunning 67, devoid of bogeys, and achieved a par-score that never attracted controversy.
"It feels sweet, and it's fantastic," Walker commented to Sky Sports post-victory. "I felt something clicked last week, and this week, I managed to pull it off."
Prior to 2014, Walker had teed off at 187 tournaments, winning his first PGA Tour title that year and achieving three top-10 finishes at the major tournaments. His success in 2015 came with the addition of two more titles, bringing his total to five.
Despite his standout victory at the U.S. Open, British Open, and Players Championship, Walker was an underdog at the PGA Championship due to his early exit from the U.S. Open. His victory marked the first time in five years that all four major championships of the year were claimed by rookie winners.
Unfortunately, harsh weather conditions forced Walker to sit out the Saturday round, but he returned the following day to shoot a 68 and gain a one-stroke advantage heading into the final round.
"It's really surreal," Walker stated about his maiden major victory. "It's challenging to put it into words at the moment."
Sources:
- „“ edition.cnn.com. Accessed Dec. 15, 2023.
- "2025 PGA Championship - Eligible Players List." PGA.com. Accessed Dec. 15, 2023.
Relevant Insights
Jimmy Walker's career in professional golf has been marked by notable achievements, including major championships. Despite not winning any major championships, such as the PGA Championship, Walker has garnered 12 PGA Tour victories. His major championship win in 2014, at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, was particularly significant as it marked his first major championship victory.
Walker has also gained recognition by winning several notable tournaments, including the 2014 Honda Classic and the 2016 Frys.com Open. The last-hole eagle was not a traditionally highlight during Walker's career, but his impressive finish at the 2014 PGA Championship secured him a crucial victory under intense pressure. As a result, he became one of the few golfers to secure a major championship title.
Walker would remain eligible to compete in the 2025 PGA Championship, given his successful career on the PGA Tour, but his legacy would be more associated with his overall career achievements rather than a particular last-hole eagle or major championship victory.
