• Houston Open

Kim recovers to win Houston play-off

Anthony Kim was let off the hook after Vaughn Taylor found the sand at the first play-off hole © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Kim and Molder share lead
  
• News: Over-confident Westwood two shots off the leader
  
• News: Casey pulls out of Houston Open
  
• News: Harrington and Westwood chase Houston lead
  
• Profile: Ernie Els | Padraig Harrington | Phil Mickelson | Justin Rose | Lee Westwood

Anthony Kim recovered from throwing away a two-stroke lead at the 17th to win in a play-off against Vaughn Taylor at the Houston Open.

Kim missed a five-footer for par at the 18th, allowing Taylor to force an extra hole. The pressure was immediately relieved on Kim, however, as Taylor went from bunker to bunker in his first two shots during the play-off.

World No. 26 Kim was not about to pass up another opportunity, claiming the victory at the first play-off hole. It was a remarkable triumph for Kim, who revealed during the tournament that he has torn a ligament in his left thumb - an injury that will require surgery.

Despite that affliction, Kim played aggressively throughout the tournament as he carded three rounds in the 60s. After a four-birdie 70 on the last day, he would finish 12-under overall after consistently exhibiting a skilled short game that allowed him to pick up shots at will.

Augusta resident Taylor misses out on the chance to compete in his home tournament at the Masters, despite a five-birdie final round that saw him surge up the leaderboard in an ultimately futile effort. One back from Taylor, Charl Schwartzel and Graham DeLaet tied for third.

For the second successive day, Lee Westwood found himself unable to conquer the front nine. Although he did not fare as badly as on Saturday, where he approached the tenth at five-over for the day, he did suffer two bogeys. Three birdies after the turn went some way to salvaging his round - he carded a level-par 72 - but it was too little, too late as Westwood finished eight-under overall.

Justin Rose was unable to build any momentum on his round, carding his third 70 of the tournament after five birdies and three bogeys. An overall score of six-under keeps him in contention for a Ryder Cup place.

Padraig Harrington, who started on six-under, fell out of championship contention after a disastrous five-over front nine. Although Harrington was proficient with his putting, his approach play was consistently disappointing; he hit less than half of his greens in a round of 77.

Phil Mickelson was another who struggled before the turn, shooting 39 - although he recovered with six straight birdies on the back nine to finish two-under overall.

Although he failed to secure a third successive tour win, Ernie Els did at least ensure that he will carry some momentum into the Masters by shooting a 69 that left him three-under overall.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.