Merrick breaks through at Riviera
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2013 Northern Trust Open | Wrap | 18 Feb 2013
John Merrick became a first time winner on the PGA Tour when he defeated Charlie Beljan at the second hole of a playoff at the Northern Trust Open at Riviera today.
Merrick, whose previous best finish since joining the PGA Tour in 2007 had been second place efforts at the Bob Hope Classic and Fed Ex St Jude Classic, began the final round two behind the defending champion Bill Haas but as Haas self imploded through the middle of his round he, Beljan and Frederik Jacobson emerged as the potential winners.
Jacobson bogeyed the 72nd hole to miss a chance at a playoff but at the second extra hole Beljan missed a four foot par saving putt to keep the playoff going.
Greg Chalmers and Adam Scott tied as the best of the Australians when they shared 10th position. It was a good effort from Scott who was playing his first event of 2013 and augurs well for the events ahead.
