Gooch Wins in Singapore: Talor Gooch edged former Masters champion Sergio Garcia by playoff to capture the LIV Singapore tournament title on Sunday at the Sentosa Golf Club. Gooch claimed his second straight title and the American golfer made it a week after winning a LIV Golf-sanctioned tournament Adelaide. He finished the 54-hole event at 17-under 196, the same score that Garcia made in three rounds to force a playoff. Experts who focus on golf picks and parlays did not expect Gooch to clinch back-to-back titles, especially he is facing a former major winner in Garcia. However, the American exhibited strong nerves to hold off the Spaniard and win another crown.
Gooch, Garcia Kept It Close
Gooch and Garcia kept it close during the tournament as they were never more than a stroke apart. The similar strokeplay score forced a playoff later on that turned out to be one for the books. At the first playoff hole, Gooch went past the edge of the water hazard on his tee shot but played a near perfect second shot into the heart of the green and ended up with a birdie. The Spaniard had a different story in the playoff as his second shot found the greenside bunker. He was unable to make his birdie and allowed Gooch to capture his second successive win and secure the top prize of USD4 million. It was the ninth time that Gooch has either led or shared the lead after an LIV round. This is the most of any player and he has now led or shared the lead in the last six rounds.
Gooch Wins in Singapore: The Rest of The Field
Two-time LIV Golf tournament winner Brooks Koepka came up a shot short of forcing a three-man playoff. He carded a three-round aggregate of 16-under 197 after shooting a 67 in the third round. Zimbabwean Scott Vincent also shot a 67 for a 198. He also threatened to make a four-way battle for the title if not for a bogey at the par-4 15th. British Open champion Cam Smith carded a 71 to finish a tie for sixth at 201. Phil Mickelson shot a 72 for a tie for 13th. The multiple-time major champion could have placed better if not for two double bogeys in the final round. The third round was hampered by severe weather in the area. It forced the organizers to stop the round for more than an hour after 13 holes of the shotgun format. The next event is at Tulsa, Oklahoma, and will start on May 12. Gooch’s back-to-back wins was a surprise for LIV Golf betting sites, considering the star-studded field that took part in the tournament. It is hard nowadays to become consistent in the sport much more winning two titles in consecutive fashion. This is what Gooch has proven in the past two LIV Golf events.
