Chris Kirk (38, USA) overcame alcohol dependence and depression and won the US Professional Golf (PGA) Tour in 7 years and 9 months.

In the final 4th round of the PGA Tour Honda Classic, which ended on the 27th at the PGA National Resort (par 70) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Kirk reached the top by one stroke after an overtime game. It was Kirk’s fifth career trophy, his first since the Crowne Plaza Invitational in May 2015.

Kirk shot a 1-under 69 with 4 birdies and 3 bogeys on the day. Kirk, who recorded a total of 14 under par and 266 strokes in rounds 1 to 4, tied with Eric Cole (35, USA), who reduced 3 strokes on the final day, and went into an overtime game. Kirk, who was taken to the extension after bogeying on the last hole 18 (par 5), made a birdie with the third shot in the first extension played at the same hole, about 40cm away from the hole. Cole ended up with Kirk winning by one stroke as Cole stopped par. Kirk said, “Thank you to everyone who helped me get through the difficult three or four years. He is especially grateful to his family and thanks to me for enduring the ordeal,” he said. 안전놀이터

Kirk, who led the US team to victory at the Presidents Cup held in Incheon in 2015, gave up golf for six months in 2019 due to alcohol dependence and depression. Kirk, who focused on treatment, started his comeback by winning the 2020 Korn Ferry Tour (second division), and laid the foundation for a comeback by finishing tied for 5th at the PGA Championship in May of last year. He reached third place for two weeks in a row at the Sony Open and American Express this year, and announced a complete revival by winning this tournament. Kirk won 1,512,000 dollars (approximately 2 billion won) in prize money, and obtained a two-year tour card and the right to participate in the Players Championship and Masters.

Ahn Byeong-hun (32), who was tied for 6th until the 3rd round, finished the tournament with a tie for 21st (5 under par, 275) by hitting a 3 over par 73 in the final round.