2016 PGA Championship: Jimmy Walker wins his first major

Jimmy Walker survived a late flurry by Jason Day to capture the 2016 PGA Championship.

In a PGA Championship that was affected by weather on more than a few occasions, it was a first-time major winner who took home the championship. Jimmy Walker fired a final round 67, finishing 14-under par, going wire-to-wire for the victory. For the fifth major in a row, a first-timer took home first place.

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Walker was in complete control heading into the final two holes at Baltustrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, which hosted the event. On 18, Jason Day had an incredible eagle-three, moving to within a stroke of Walker for the championship. Walker made a par-five on the final hole, winning his first major championship by one stroke.

Incredibly, most of the leaders had to play a marathon of golf on Sunday, as the rains forced some competitors to play 36 holes. Walker did not seem daunted by the fact, scoring a 68 in round three to go along with his 67 in the final round.

Walker started his final round with nine straight birdies, as it looked like he would just try to hang on to his lead. Then on hole number 10, he made his signature shot, the one that will be replayed forever when golf fans replay his major win. Walker holed out from the bunker, grabbing a birdie, and setting himself up for the biggest win of his career.

As he sank his final putt on 18, Walker hugged his caddie, then his family, and then was greeted by some of the biggest names in golf.

Walker had never finished higher than eighth in a major tournament in his career, as his eighth place finish in the 2014 Masters was his best placing at a major. During last year’s PGA Championship, Walker did not even make the cut, making Sunday even that more special.

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