Charl Schwartzel Secures Valspar Victory in Florida

Charl Schwartzel secured his first victory in the United States since the 2011 Masters by defeating Bill Haas in a playoff at the Valspar Championship in Florida on Sunday.

Charl Schwartzel Secures Valspar Victory in Florida

The 31-year-old South African came from five shots behind in the last round to card a four-under-par 67 before beating Haas with a tap-in par at the first extra hole. Schwartzel will now advance to the Masters in Augusta, Ga., next month. Meanwhile, world number one Jordan Speith will be defending his title in Augusta.

Spieth,22, carded a 73 on Sunday to tie for 18th on even par. He was outplayed by amateur Lee McCoy, 22, who shot 69 to finish fourth.

“I just caught lightning on the back nine. I’m very proud of myself,” Schwartzel told Golf Channel. “I was trying to hit mostly middle of the green, keep the ball in play and take the birdies where they came.”

Schwartzel and overnight leader Haas (72) finished regulation at seven-under-par, two strokes ahead of Ryan Moore on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor.

Schwartzel then two-putted on the playoff hole, the par-four 18th, after Haas hit a terrible shot from a green-side bunker.

“I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight thinking about that one,” said six-time PGA Tour winner Haas of his bunker shot. “That was just poor execution.”

This was Schwartzel’s third win in his last six starts after winning twice in European European Tour events back home. This was also his second victory on the PGA Tour after his win at Augusta National five years ago.

“After winning Augusta, you think short term you’re going to win a lot, but it was a rough ride,” he said. “It was tough for a few years. Game felt good enough but it became a mental thing and it’s nice to overcome it.”

Caption: PALM HARBOR, FL – MARCH 13: Charl Schwartzel of South Africa hits off the 11th tee during the final round of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course on March 13, 2016 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena