Classy Kuchar unstoppable in Ohio
By: Nick Bonfield | Tue 04 Jun 2013
On the PGA Tour, one of the world’s most consistent players moved to fourth in the Official World Ranking after prevailing at Jack Nicklaus’ tournament.
Matt Kuchar shot a closing 68 to post a 12-under-par 72-hole total and win the Memorial Tournament by two shots from Kevin Chappell at Muirfield Village in Ohio.
Kuchar has now become only the second player, along with Tiger Woods, to win multiple PGA Tour events in 2013.
The American – who breached the world’s top five for the first time – finished second last week, and his form carried over.
He shot an opening 68 before a second-round 70 put him in a tie for second, three behind Bill Haas, with two rounds to play.
Conditions were tough on Saturday, and Kuchar moved into a two-shot lead after compiling a solid 70.
On Sunday, he looked calm and collected, and moved four clear with a birdie at the par-5 15th.
Chappell applied some late pressure, but Kuchar closed out the contest in fine style by holing a 20-foot birdie putt on 18th when two putts were good enough for the win.
Talking points:
Rory and Woods struggle
McIlroy opened up with a six-over par 78 that left him way outside the top 100, and on Saturday, Woods failed to break 80 for only the second time in his professional career. Both men dismissed the rounds as anomalous, but they represent cause for concern with the US Open just two weeks away.
Kuchar for the US Open?
Matt Kuchar is the form player in world golf, and his game looks perfectly suited to Merion Golf Club. It’s not a long track, but it’ll demand accurate driving, precision iron play and a sharp short game – all characteristics of Kuchar’s game. He’s won three extremely prestigious tournaments over the past 12 months and looks ready to claim his first major championship.
Meanwhile, Justin Rose, who continues to boast a near-flawless long game, revealed why he won’t be winning the US Open. The Englishman missed a series of six-footers on Sunday when presented with the chance to strike. Unless he makes drastic improvements in that area, a major title could pass him by.
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