Els defends Sony Open title

Ernie Els successfully defended his title at the Sony Open with a 22-foot birdie at the third play-off hole to beat Harrison Frazar at Waialae Country Club.

Frazar almost won in regulation with a two-putt birdie at the par-five 18th, but Els sank a clutch 10-footer to force extra holes. Els shot a closing 65 and Frazar a 66 to tie at 18-under 262, three shots ahead of Davis Love III.

The South African became the first player to win the event two years in a row since Corey Pavin in 1986-87, picking up £480,000 (€696,400) for his 13th victory on the PGA Tour.

Els had a slow start to the year with a mediocre performance at last week’s Mercedes Championship, but he showed his enormous talent by quickly playing his way into top form. He made only one bogey in the final round, and just three for the week.

Both players parred the first two extra holes, before Els won at the par-three 11th to improve his PGA Tour playoff record to 4-2.