MARANA, Ariz. — The trophy Ian Poulter is taking home from the Match Play Championship is called the “Walter Hagen Cup.”
For his first victory on American soil, perhaps that’s only fitting.
Hagen, among golf’s greatest players with 11 majors, was regarded as much for his snappy attire as his record four straight PGA Championships when they were match-play events.
Dressed in pink on a chilly day in the high desert, Poulter led over the final 28 holes Sunday on his way to a 4-and-2 victory over Paul Casey in an all-England final at the first World Golf Championship of the year.
Poulter moved to a personal-best No. 5 in the world ranking.
“This to me is very pleasing to be able to be in that position now,” Poulter said. “I guess (No.) 5 in the world stands for more than just what I wear on the golf course.”
Casey became the first player to lose in consecutive years in the title match.
Poulter played only 114 holes all week — only Tiger Woods with 112 holes in 2003 played fewer — and earned $1.4 million for the biggest check of his career.
Beckman pockets title in Mexico
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico — Cameron Beckman won the Mayakoba Golf Classic for his third PGA Tour title, a two-stroke victory over Joe Durant and Brian Stuard.
Langer wins playoff
BOCA RATON, Fla. — Bernhard Langer sank a bunker shot from 45 feet for an eagle to edge John Cook on the first extra hole in the Champions Tour’s Allianz Championship.
Miyazato triumphs
PATTAYA, Thailand — Japan’s Ai Miyazato won the Honda PTT LPGA Thailand with a birdie chip on the final hole.
The Associated Press
