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Golf

Chris Kirk Wins Honda Classic to Claim His First PGA Tour Title in Eight Years

It’s been eight years since the last time Chris Kirk lifted a PGA Tour trophy, and his wait for another major win is finally over. The 37-year-old golfer claimed his first PGA Tour title in almost eight years at the Honda Classic and credited his sobriety for this amazing triumph. Kirk managed to beat fellow American Eric Cole in a play-off in Florida, after birding the 18th to win the game. This marks his fifth PGA Tour title and the first since he won the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial in 2015. This is also the first major title he won since taking a break from golf to deal with his alcohol and depression issues in 2019. Kirk was always very open about his struggles and decided to take an indefinite hiatus after multiple relapses. He was once ranked as high as no. 16 and significantly dropped in the world rankings after taking a break. He believes it was all worth it and that his sobriety was the only thing that made this triumph possible. "I came really close to losing everything I cared about. I'm so grateful for my sobriety. I'm so grateful for my family. I'm so grateful for everyone that supported me throughout the past three or four years, especially," said Kirk in an emotional speech following his victory.