The Loop
Video: Snedeker's clutch chip pays off in a big way at East Lake
By Alex Myers
Water wasn't involved this time in the defining moment of the Tour Championship Sunday, but the 17th hole -- and a wedge -- again played leading roles. A year after Bill Haas' remarkable up-and-down from a lake, Brandt Snedeker chipped in for birdie on the penultimate hole to essentially clinch the win and the FedEx Cup title.
Battling with Justin Rose and Ryan Moore on the back nine, Snedeker took a two-shot lead thanks to birdies on No. 13 and 15. But seemingly in trouble on No. 17 after a bad tee shot, his approach flirted with a front bunker before settling just short of the green, setting up the best -- and most lucrative -- shot of his life. Here are the highlights of from the final round at East Lake:
The emotional win for Snedeker also netted the 31-year-old $11.4 million. In other words, there's a good chance he'll be buying his teammates dinner at this week's Ryder Cup.
Rory McIlroy won two of the four playoff events and was the FedEx Cup points leader heading into Sunday, but his streak of 11-straight rounds in the 60s abruptly ended with a 74. Meanwhile, Snedeker entered the event in fifth spot in the standings -- any golfer in the top 5 would win the FedEx Cup and the $10-million bonus with a win.
But before people complain too much about McIlroy, who finished T-10 in Atlanta, not winning the PGA Tour's biggest payout, consider that Snedeker was the only player to finish in the top six in three playoff events, including a runner-up at the Barclays. And for finishing second in the final standings, McIlroy also received a $3-million bonus in addition to the $8 million he's won on the PGA Tour this year. Not a bad parting gift.