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Henrik Stenson Tops Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas to Win 2019 Hero World Challenge

Kyle Newport

Henrik Stenson (-18) captured the 2019 Hero World Challenge title by shooting a 66 in the final round on Saturday, besting Jon Rahm by one stroke.

The victory nets Stenson the $1 million cash prize, per GolfDigest.com.

Tiger Woods (-14) continued to play well and held the solo lead at one point on Saturday. However, he faded down the stretch, as a 69 on Day 4 led to a fourth-place finish.

Below is a look at the latest action from the Bahamas.

                  

2019 Hero World Challenge Leaderboard — Final

1. Henrik Stenson 66 (-18)

2. Jon Rahm 66 (-17)

3. Patrick Reed 66 (-16)

4. Tiger Woods 69 (-14)

T5. Justin Rose 65 (-13)

T5. Justin Thomas 70 (-13)

T7. Kevin Kisner 65 (-12) 

T7. Gary Woodland 73 (-12)

9. Rickie Fowler 68 (-10)

*Full leaderboard available on the PGA Tour's official website. Full payouts available on GolfDigest.com.

After averaging a 68 through his first three rounds, Stenson saved his best performance for last. He piled up five birdies on the day to help him minimize the impact of a bogey, and an eagle on 15 gave him control of the leaderboard:

The lead changed hands on a number of occasions on the day. However, once Stenson moved in front, he did not look back.

Meanwhile, Woods entered the final round in third place, two strokes back of the lead at -11. It would not be long, though, before he made run at the top spot.

The 15-time major champ found an early rhythm as he birdied three of his first seven holes:

Just like that, Woods was in first place.

The 43-year-old moved to 15-under with a birdie on 11. As well as Woods had played, he was not able to keep pace toward the end. A bogey on 14 all but ended his chances.

Justin Thomas treaded water early on Saturday, going even through the first five holes. He did, however, pick up steam near the midway point of the final round. The 2017 PGA Championship winner birdied three of the final four holes on the front nine to put himself firmly in the mix.

Then, an eagle on 11 put him ahead of Woods and the field:

A bogey on 13 put an end to the run, and it opened the door for the field to battle it out down the stretch.

Rahm had stayed within striking distance by shooting two-under on the front nine. He then jumped atop the leaderboard thanks to a birdie-eagle-birdie combo late on the back nine. However, he was not able to hold off Stenson.

Holding onto a one-shot lead through 15, Stenson was not able to gain any breathing room over the final three holes. Fortunately for him, neither Rahm nor Patrick Reed—who was penalized two strokes on Friday for improving his lie—were able to make a late run.

It marks Stenson's first career Hero World Challenge title.

   

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