The Wyndham Championship was facing a Monday finish as Matt Kuchar elected to mark his ball on the final hole due to darkness, making Aaron Rai’s first victory technically unofficial. Kuchar, who was the 36-hole leader, needed to win to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs. Despite teeing off on the 18th hole, he reversed course and chose to finish on Monday, setting an example for fellow player Max Greyserman.
Kuchar explained his decision to wait to finish, feeling he should set an example for Max. He spoke to Tour rules official Ken Tackett before Rai made birdie at 18, suggesting Greyserman could still tie him. However, Shelby Swanson from the Raleigh News & Observer did not hear Kuchar tell Greyserman to wait until Monday directly. Kuchar’s actions were criticized by Golf Channel’s Paige Mackenzie and Brandel Chamblee, questioning his decision to tee off on 18 when the fairway wasn’t clear.
Inclement weather throughout the week at the Wyndham Championship caused disruptions, with a 36-hole cut not made until Sunday morning. Players had to play at least 36 holes on Sunday, with Kuchar’s group teeing off in the final round late in the afternoon. Despite the race against darkness, a winner was determined on Sunday, but Kuchar will return to play the final hole on Monday morning.
The decision to delay the final hole for Kuchar raised eyebrows, with speculation on whether the coverage would continue on Monday. The tournament faced challenges due to the weather, with Tropical Storm Debby causing delays and disruptions throughout the week. Despite the difficulties, players pushed through to complete the tournament, with Kuchar’s Monday finish adding a unique twist to the event.
Overall, the Wyndham Championship provided a dramatic conclusion with Kuchar’s decision to wait until Monday to finish his round. Despite the controversy surrounding his actions, the tournament showcased the resilience of the players in navigating challenging weather conditions. As Aaron Rai secured his first victory on the PGA Tour, the event will be remembered for the unexpected Monday finish and the discussions sparked by Kuchar’s choice to mark his ball on the final hole.
