Chris Kirk (US) beat Eric Cole (US) on the first play-off hole to win the $8.4 million Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens, his fifth PGA Tour title.

Kirk, 37 years old, began the final round with a two-shot lead and went to the turn in 33, two under par. He was level par for the back nine until a bogey six on the par five 18th hole where his second shot found water, for a final round of 69, saw him fall into a tie with Cole on 14 under par.

It was back to the 18th tee for the play-off where Kirk stuck his approach to tap-in range for a birdie, where Cole could only make par, for his first victory since 2015.

'Very nervous'

Kirk said after the round, "I was obviously very, very nervous today having not won in so long, Coming down the stretch, I felt good."

Kirk earned $1,512,000 for the win, and is now eligible to play The Masters again for the first time since 2016. Cole earned $915,600 for the runner-up finish, a cheque that more than doubles what the 34 year-old has earned in 14 previous Tour starts.

Kirk moves upto sixth in the FedEx Cup Rankings from last week’s 34th spot.

Defending champion Sepp Straka (Aut) shot a final round 68, and was in a group tied for ninth at nine under, with all four of his rounds in the 60’s. Also in that group, Shane Lowry, finished with an even par 70.

Dubai based Adrian Meronk (Pol), playing on a sponsor’s invite, shot a final round 68, to follow his first three rounds of 67, 69 and 70 to finish on six under par in tied 14th place and move up one spot to 52 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

Final Results (Par 70, 7,125 Yards)

C. Kirk (US) 69. 62. 66. 69. 266

E. Cole (US) 67. 66. 66. 67. 266.

T. Duncan (US) 67. 67. 68. 66. 268.

R. Gerard (US) 69. 63. 71. 67. 270.