Matt Borchert beats Bob Sowards in playoff to win Event No. 4 of PGA Tournament Series

PORT ST. LUCIE –  It’s a good thing for Matt Borchert he’s better with his putter than with his math.

  

Borchert thought he had shot a 69 Tuesday and finished a shot behind Bob Sowards until Sowards told him they both had 68s. Borchert re-checked his scorecard and realized his mistake. They were tied at 8-under 136.

  

Ten minutes later, Borchert drained a 20-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to win Event No. 4 of the PGA Tournament Series at PGA Golf Club. It was the first PGA Tournament Series victory for the PGA Professional at Isleworth Golf & Country Club near Orlando.

  

“It was too long of a day on the golf course,” Borchert said of the scoring issue. “I was trying to figure out where I stood on 18. I thought we both played great. Bob was solid. I was just lucky to sneak a few more putts in.”

  

The 68s were the only scores in the 60s on a Dye Course toughened by windy, cool conditions. Sowards was trying to win his second PGA Tournament Series event in a row and the 10th in his career.

  

“I played great today; he just wouldn’t go away,” said Sowards, the PGA Professional at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio. “Best putter I think I’ve ever seen. I can’t really ask for much more. I know how hard the golf course was playing. I was happy to shoot 4-under.”

 

Borchert played professionally before taking the job at Isleworth six years ago. He said it’s one of his biggest wins.

  

“I was always the guy, ‘Man you’re playing solid,’” Borchert said. “It’s always nice to win something.”

  

Dan Olsen, who was tied with Sowards and Borchert for the 18-hole lead, shot 70 and finished third. Omar Uresti (73) was fourth at 144.

 

The PGA Tournament Series is presented by GolfAdvisor.com.