Rocco Mediate secures record-breaking victory at Senior PGA Championship
Monday 30 May 2016 10:59, UK
Rocco Mediate shot a final round five-under par 66 to secure victory in the Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores on Sunday.
The 53 year-old American, who had led Colin Montgomerie heading into the final day, holed a 15-foot putt for par on the final hole for a three-stroke victory over the Scot.
"That was sick," Mediate said. "As soon as it left the club, I knew it had a chance. Obviously, I didn't know it was going to make it, of course not, but I had a feeling I might.
"That made a big difference. It made a huge difference. Because Monty was there for three. At least three. And if I make bogey there, and it goes to one shot going to the last hole, who knows what happens? Who knows? So it was very fortunate at that time."
Mediate finished 19-under 265 to break the previous tournament record of 268, set by Sam Snead in 1978.
Sunday's victory is the American's third on the senior tour, with his two previous victories coming in 2013.
"I didn't know I shot 66," Mediate added. "I didn't know what the heck I shot today. ... A lot of great things happened today and I don't believe I'm sitting here. I really don't."
Montgomerie shot a final round of 67 to match Snead for the second-best total in the tournament's history.
Meanwhile, two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer failed in his bid to become the first player to win all five PGA Tour Champions majors and eventually tied for third at 13-under with American Brandt Jobe.
