Chris Kirk: A Sobering Return
We want to congratulate Chris Kirk for winning the prestigious Honda Classic trophy.
“I owe everything that I have in my entire life to my sobriety,” Kirk said Sunday evening, the winner’s glass Honda Classic trophy at his side. “I wouldn’t be doing this for a living anymore. I probably wouldn’t have the family that I have currently anymore. I came really close to losing everything that I cared about.
Chris Kirk Reclaiming Life, Career After Overcoming Alcoholism
Chris Kirk yearned to win another PGA TOUR championship for almost eight years. At The Honda Classic, held at the challenging PGA National, he faced off against Eric Cole, a 34-year-old PGA TOUR rookie whose lifelong dream was to compete on tour. In a thrilling final day of play, the two battled it out in the last group, finishing regulation play tied at 14-under 266, a new record for the tournament on the Champion course.
Despite nearly throwing away the championship to Cole when his approach hit a rock wall in front of the green on the 72nd hole, the seasoned Kirk emerged victorious in the end. Even if the two had to go into extra holes, one of them was destined to claim the trophy on this action-packed final day.
Although Kirk left with the trophy, much of the day belonged to Cole, the 34-year-old rookie who was playing in his 15th PGA TOUR event. Cole’s impressive performance was evident even when his swing became loose early on in the round. Despite this, he fought, scrambled, and stuck around, traits that belong to a true fighter.
Starting the day two shots behind Kirk and uncertain what to expect on such a big stage, Cole responded beautifully and shot a 67. When Kirk made a bogey on the short 13th hole, and Cole, who had a hot putter, made his fourth round birdie, he suddenly took the lead.
Cole had a golden opportunity to win in regulation after Kirk’s mistake on the 72nd hole, but he was unable to make birdie from the left of the 18th green, settling for par after his pitch across the slick green raced past the hole, and he missed the putt coming back.
However, Cole’s caddie, Reed Cochran, son of former PGA TOUR winner Russ Cochran, expressed confidence in his abilities, saying that this was just the start of something big for Eric and that he was the real deal.
Despite having mixed emotions as night fell on Sunday, Cole loved being in contention and couldn’t wait to get back there. Although he felt a little empty-handed, not leaving with a trophy, he was proud of his performance, especially since he didn’t have his best game that day.
Battling Health Issues
Cole has had to battle health issues, including being a Type 1 diabetic and having Addison’s Disease, and as he toiled for years on mini-tours, he thought he would get to the PGA TOUR much sooner than he did. However, he owns 56 victories on a developmental tour called the Minor League Golf Tour, and as he pointed out on Saturday, winning is winning, and the ball doesn’t know what time it’s playing on any given day.
Kirk, who had never met Cole before, was impressed by his game and believed he would stick around for quite a while. Cole, who lives in Delray Beach near PGA National, is expected to make the most of his next opening and step right through it.
Contact Campbell Recovery Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and live in the Dallas Metroplex area, it’s time to take action and start your journey toward recovery. Campbell Recovery Services is here to help you overcome addiction and reclaim your life. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans and support to help you achieve lasting recovery. Don’t wait any longer to take the first step towards a better tomorrow. Contact Campbell Recovery Services today.
