LOS ANGELES – John Merrick hit two clutch shots to win a sudden-death playoff and claim the Northern Trust Open on Sunday for his first PGA Tour victory, in his home city.
On the second playoff hole, Merrick saved par while Charlie Beljan missed a 5-foot par putt to square it.
For Merrick, his breakthrough victory could not have come at a better place. He grew up in Long Beach, attended this event as a kid and went to college at nearby UCLA.
“Growing up as a kid, coming out here, I just wanted to play this tournament,” Merrick said, his eyes welling with tears.
It was a tough finish for Beljan, famous for having an anxiety attack when he won at Disney late last year. He holed an 18-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to close with a 4-under 67 and wind up in a playoff.