Jhonattan Vegas again saved his best for last in the RBC Canadian Open.
Vegas, the 32-year-old from Venezuela, birdied the first playoff hole to defeat Charley Hoffman and win for the second straight year at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario, claiming his third PGA Tour victory.
“I would say it has to be the sweetest victory out of the three,” said Vegas, who last year birdied the last three holes of regulation play to win at Glen Abbey. “Just having my family here, even my mom and dad … they were with me my first time I won. But having my wife (here) and especially being with my daughter for the first win … it’s hard to compare that. It’s hard to put it in words.
“It’s just really fun, watching them really enjoy it in person and seeing how nervous they are when I’m on the course playing. Every time you get a chance to share these moments with your family, it’s just really grateful. … It’s special.”
Vegas trailed 54-hole leader Hoffman by three strokes entering the final round but closed with a 7-under 65 to match Hoffman at 21-under 267. Then he became the sixth repeat winner of the Canadian Open and the first since Jim Furyk in 2006-07.
Hoffman, seeking his fifth PGA Tour victory, shot 68 in the final round, tapping in for a birdie on the par-5 closing hole to get into the playoff.
Vegas had his own tap-in birdie on the extra hole, again No. 18, while Hoffman failed to hole a bunker shot for his birdie, which would have prolonged the playoff.
“I gave myself a chance, except I putted horribly today and left everything short,” said Hoffman, from Poway and UNLV. “It’s always tough after you don’t close the deal after having the lead. … Jhonny played great today. All credit to him.”
Ian Poulter of England posted a bogey-free 64 that was the low round of the day, but missed the playoff by one stroke in solo third, while Gary Woodland was another shot back in fourth after a 68.
Brandon Hagy of Westlake Village and Cal shot 68 and finished three back in a tie for fifth with Tony Finau, who also totaled 68, and Robert Garrigus, who followed his third-round 62 with a 69.
Top-ranked Dustin Johnson carded a 67 and wound up four down in a tie for eighth with Kevin Chappell of Fresno and UCLA, who had a 71, while James Hahn of Alameda and Cal recorded a 66 to finish one more back in a tie for 10th with Sean O’Hair, who had a 65, Seamus Power of Ireland, who wound up at 66, and Andres Gonzales, who came in at 70.
