Prior to The CJ Cup Byron Nelson 2024, Taylor Pendrith had participated in 73 PGA Tour events without many standout performances, but this week at TPC Craig Ranch, the Canadian golfer changed that narrative.
Pendrith maintained that lead until the 15th hole of the final day, carding 4 birdies and 1 bogey to finish with a total score of -22. However, on the subsequent 16th and 17th holes, Ben Kohles - playing in the same group as Taylor Pendrith - shone with 2 consecutive birdies, adding to the 4 birdies he had before to take a one-stroke lead over Pendrith with a total score of -23.
But then, at the decisive par 5 18th hole, Ben Kohles made consecutive mistakes with a chip shot and missed a 5-foot par putt, resulting in a bogey and a score of -22, tied for the lead with Pendrith on the leaderboard. Taking advantage of his opponent's errors, Pendrith played confidently with 2 on and 2 putts at the 18th hole to secure a birdie. This score helped the Canadian golfer finish with -23 and officially clinch the championship.
The CJ Cup Byron Nelson marks the first PGA Tour title for Canadian golfer Taylor Pendrith, earning him a spot in the PGA Championship in two weeks and The Masters next year.
Additionally, he also secures a spot in the remaining 'invitation-only events' of the season, starting with the Wells Fargo Championship next week. This change in schedule requires adjustments for him and his family, as they initially planned a beach vacation, but now Pendrith has to redirect that trip to Charlotte to continue competing.
"I've been in the lead after 54 holes before and couldn't seal the deal," Pendrith said after the game. "I've learned a lot from that and tried to improve, and today I just focused and did the best I could. It's hard to describe the feeling of being on top."
This setback prevents Ben Kohles from securing his first PGA Tour title, but his performance is enough to earn him a spot in the next major of the year, the PGA Championship.