Monday, July 06, 2015

Robert Streb putts with wedge to get into

 Greenbrier Classic play-off won by Danny Lee

FROM THE GOLF CHANNEL WEBSITE
Putting is tough enough using a regulation putter, but using a wedge is just ridiculous. That's exactly what American Robert Streb was forced to do after breaking his putter mid-way through his round during the Greenbrier Classic on Sunday evening (local time) on the US PGA Tour.
Streb was only one shot off the pace when his putter broke at the base of the shaft after tossing it at his caddy on the ninth hole during his final round. What made it even worse for Streb was that he was still in the hunt for the lead, just a mere stroke behind the leader with nine holes to play.


Robert Streb uses a wedge to putt on the 17th green. Robert Streb uses a wedge to putt on the 17th green. Photo: AP

"I meant to toss (the putter) right next to the bag and it hit the bottom and the head went flying," he said.
A player can replace a club during a round only when it is damaged while playing a shot, so Streb was forced to improvise, opting to use his sand wedge to putt.
What appeared to be a disaster for Streb turned into a miracle as he managed to make five birdie putts with his wedge on the back nine on his way to a round of five under par 65. 
The incredible round included a superb 30ft putt on the 13th and a clutch birdie putt on the last to give Streb a share of the lead and a spot in a four-way play-off.
With Streb finishing his round he was able to exchange his wedge for a putter to complete the play-off. In an even stranger twist of fate, Streb didn't even get to use his putter in the play-off.
Streb missed the green with his tee-shot on the first play-off hole and then used  a wedge to chip onto the green. He was eliminated when play-off opponents David Hearn and eventual winner Danny Lee both knocked in birdies before he had a chance to putt.
Despite losing the play-off Streb picked up a cool $US500,000, ($666,000). an amount sure to make all the drama surrounding his putter worth it.
New Zealander Lee eventually won the play-off, securing his first win on the US PGA Tour. 
+Putting with a wedge is not to be encouraged but if you have to do it, hit the ball with the leading edge of the club, not the face of the wedge!
SCROLL DOWN TO VIEW ALL THE FINAL TOTALS IN THE GREENBRIER CLASSIC AND WHO WON SPOTS IN THE OPEN AT ST ANDREWS

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