Viktor Hovland has recorded a near-miraculous final round of 61 to win the BMW Championship in Chicago.
Only once had a European player hit a 61 during the closing 18 holes of a PGA Tour event in the last 40 years before the Norwegian put together a sensational effort on Sunday.
Not hindered by a bogey on his opening nine, Hovland recorded 10 birdies - seven of which came on the back nine as he came home in just 28 shots - to seal a two-shot victory over Scottie Scheffler and Matthew Fitzpatrick.
The tournament had been in the hands of world number one Scheffler but he played the final five holes in one-over-par, three-putting the 17th hole to leave himself with too much to do.
"Definitely has to be the best round I've ever played."
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 20, 2023
A day to remember for Viktor Hovland. pic.twitter.com/Z65YhdSIxQ
However, on a positive note for the American, Fitzpatrick's missed birdie attempt on the last ensured that he will start next week's Tour Championship with a two-shot lead over Hovland, keeping him in pole position to win the Fedex Cup.
Rory McIlroy produced a final-round 66 to earn fourth spot on his own, while recently-crowned Open champion Brian Harman and Max Homa shared fifth place.
Of the players who narrowly made it through to next week's final 30, Sepp Straka was the final entrant having shot a four-under-par round.
In sharp contrast, Justin Rose registered a three-over-par 73 to miss out, with Sahith Theegala also absence from East Lake despite a closing 67.
Darren Plant
