Chris Kirk stakes Ryder Cup claim after outplaying Rory McIlroy
American captures biggest win of his career in Deutsche Bank Championship, the second of four lucrative FedExCup play-off events
American Chris Kirk broke clear of a tightly bunched leaderboard with two late birdies to clinch his third PGA Tour victory by two shots at the Deutsche Bank Championship on Monday.
In a wild final-round shoot-out, Kirk fired a flawless five-under-par 66 at the TPC Boston to win the second of four lucrative FedExCup play-off events on the US circuit.
I definitely have put myself in contention for one [of the Ryder Cup picks]
The 29-year-old birdied the 13th and 16th to pull two strokes clear and narrowly missed another birdie attempt, from nine feet at the last, to post a 15-under total of 269.
Kirk not only claimed his second PGA Tour title of the season but he took over at the top of the FedExCup standings and advanced his claims for a late Ryder Cup call-up by US captain Tom Watson on Tuesday.
“Just unbelievable,” said Kirk, who outshot Rory McIlroy by four shots in the final round after being paired with the world number one. "My biggest win ever.
"I was just trying to go play like I did yesterday," said Kirk, referring to his third-round 64. "Obviously, I didn’t shoot quite as low as yesterday but I really felt good with the putter today."
