Webb Simpson takes RBC Heritage title as Tyrrell Hatton finishes third after thrilling final day
Tyrrell Hatton’s gallant bid to make PGA Tour history came up short on Sunday night as Webb Simpson took the RBC Heritage title to break into the world’s top five.
Looking to become the first Englishman to win back-to-back titles on the US circuit - albeit more than three months apart - Hatton, the joint overnight leader, grabbed sole advantage with four birdies in the first seven holes.
But he could not maintain the pace and had to be content with a tie for third, two behind Simpson. The 28-year-old moves up to 16th in the rankings
“Having 13 weeks off and coming back, I wasn't really sure how my game was going to be,” Hatton said after his 66 for a 20-under total. “If you'd told me I was going to finish tied for third to start the week, I would have been more than happy.
“Obviously, I had a chance out there today. It's funny how this game can bite you at time. It was the best I've been at tee to green and the worst I've putted.”
On a thrilling final day in Harbour Town - that was forced to pause for breath because of a storm-suspension - Simpson found the wherewithal to break clear with five birdies in the last seven holes.
Until that point, it was a veritable log-jam on Hilton Head Island. At one stage there were six tied for the lead. However, eventually on Father’s Day they all had to bow to the father of five.
“It was a crazy day,” Simpson said after a 63 landed his second win of the year. “Honestly, the last 10 holes were a blur because guys are making birdies, we're trying to finish before night comes, and so to finish with five birdies like that was really special. To see the putts go in when I needed them, that was really fun to see the ball going in the hole.”
The Mexican Abraham Ancer finished second, with Daniel Berger, the winner of the PGA Tour’s first restart event, alongside Hatton. Rory McIlroy came in a tie for 41st.
