Page 19 - Golf Champion - Mar 2021

might have had trouble scripting.
With Finau scorching the course ahead of him Homa
came to the par-5 17th hole needing a birdie to tie.
But he lost his approach shot in a bunker on the right,
leaving himself short sided. A clutch shot followed by
a 6-foot putt sent him to the 18th hole knowing one
more birdie could make all of those wild childhood
dreams come true.
He annihilated his drive. And then hit a pure wedge
to 3-feet. It was all but secured. And in front of
tournament host and idol Tiger Woods no less. Homa
and his coach had talked about playing like Woods
would. Position over perfection. Methodically staying
patient before grasping the opportunities presented.

He had done that brilliantly. Until now.

That resolve was further tested shortly after when his
tee shot on the par-4 10th opening playoff hole rolled
up against a tree. He could have moaned about it. He
could have felt like it wasn’t meant to be. But instead
he produced an incredible recovery shot to the green
that would ultimately help extend the playoff.
Homa’s miracles on the infamous 10th were already
being talked about. During Saturday’s wild winds
he hit what his fellow pros were calling one of the
greatest shots ever hit on that hole when he was able

| | 19