What a finish it was at the WM Phoenix Open. And who would have guessed half way through that Craig Stadler's son would have came out on top.
With Bubba, Hunter Mahan, Graham DeLaet, Chucky III, Webb Simpson, Ryan Moore, and the 21 year old Hideki Matsuyama right there in the hunt I wouldn't have put money on Kevin Stadler. And for a while with how bad Stadler was putting it wasn't looking good for him, but he didn't go away. Bubba slipped down the stretch, Hunter missed some good looks late, and Graham was too late with his charge. So the straight hitting, heavy set Craig Stadler duplicate, also being his son, emerged victorious.
Stadler made a birdie on 17, which put him at 16-under and in a tie with Master's Champion Bubba Watson. Then on the 72nd hole of the tournament, Bubba misjudging a wedge from the rough, then missing a seven footer for par handed Kevin Stadler the victory, and his first win on the PGA Tour.
Stadler had five birdies, and a double bogey. His bogey-free round was a steady one, where he didn't drop many shots. Even though he missed a couple very easy putts, it didn't cost him a lot because he still remained on top.
The famed 16th hole, with the enormous gallery, and the stadium like atmosphere seemed to help boost some players moral, and got into some players' heads. Bubba put one into the bunker, and then proceeded to miss the five footer coming back for par. While Hunter Mahan birdied there coming off of a birdie on 15, and that gave him a shot down the stretch. This tournament is one that is always a highlight of every year, and with the bunched leaderboard, and the epic finish, this years event proved its worth.
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