Kevin Na clinches Greenbrier title, Anirban Lahiri T39

Kevin Na exorcised the demons that have haunted him for a long time, with a final round 64 to take just his second PGA TOUR title

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Kevin Na wins Greenbrier Classic

Helen Ross on PGA TOUR – July 09 2018: Kevin Na wasn’t sure he’d ever have another Sunday like this one.

One where he felt the elation of hoisting a trophy instead of the disappointment of yet another close call. One where he savored the satisfaction of a job well done rather than second-guessing himself on the solitary drive home.

Anirban Lahiri at the Greenbrier Classic
Anirban Lahiri at the Greenbrier Classic

Anirban Lahiri had his dreams dashed on an increasingly pacy course. Amidst soaring hopes of a maiden PGA TOUR title, the 31-year-old endured a disappointing weekend to finish in T39.

The Indian made just 7 of 18 greens in regulation on Sunday as he struggled his way to a six over 76. Anirban made six bogeys, two birdies and a double bogey at the par-4 fifth hole.

Na’s first win had been a long time coming, eight years, in fact. And in the last seven he hadn’t been able follow it up, despite six runner-up finishes and a host of other top 10s.

“A lot of heartbreaks,” he acknowledged.

Sunday at The Old White TPC, though, was different. Na took control, almost from the outset, and fired a 64 that enabled him to virtually coast to a five-stroke victory over Kelly Kraft at A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier.

His time had finally come. Again.

“I tried not to think about winning,” Na said. “Obviously it seems like I’ve always tried too hard. I mean, how do you say you tried too hard? What is the difference, the fine line between trying too hard and letting it happen?

“Definitely thinking about that trophy. I was definitely thinking about winning. But I was trying to stay in the moment. … I just felt great. I just felt relaxed.”

Na put himself in the driver’s seat with a barrage of six birdies in a seven-hole stretch that began at the fourth hole. No one else came close to keeping pace on an afternoon when the crusty greens at the Old White TPC otherwise were yielding birdies grudgingly.

“These greens were rock hard,” Na said. “Some of these pins you couldn’t get to. But I hit some great shots, and the putter was just hot.

“It was just one of those days that I felt great over the ball, and everything was going in.”

When he made a clutch 5-footer for par at the 14th hole to preserve what was then a four-stroke advantage, Na felt like he could could see the finish line clearly. He pumped his fist in satisfaction because “I felt like that was the key putt to an easy walk up 18.”

Bubba Watson, who ended up in a tie for 13th, finished his post-round interviews and went back to the final green to watch Na finish. Harold Varner, who had shared the overnight lead, put aside his own disappointment and ran over to congratulate his friend with the TV cameras capturing the moment.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Na said. “I’ve waited a long time for this. Lot of close calls, lot of disappointments. I wasn’t sure if it was going to come again.

“I was hoping it would, sooner than later, but my game was starting to feel really good this year. … I was thinking I was going to win one before the year was over and here it is.”

Kelly Kraft finished in second place at 14-under 266. Varner, who shared the 54-hole lead with Kraft shot 72 to drop into a tie for fifth with Joaquin Niemann, Austin Cook, Joel Dahmen and Sam Saunders.

Brandt Snedeker and Jason Kokrak ended the week in a tie for third place.

Anirban will now travel to Europe to play at the Carnoustie Golf Links for the Open Championship.

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