Sam Burns secured the 2023 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play title in style, storming to a 6&5 victory over Cameron Young in the final having ended World Number One Scottie Scheffler’s title defence earlier in the day.
The 26-year-old American found himself behind early on against Young but responded brilliantly, winning four holes in a row from the fifth to turn the match on its head at Austin Country Club.
He kept his foot on the gas after the turn, with wins at the tenth and 12th stretching his lead to five, and the contest ended at the 13th as Burns’ eighth birdie of the match wrapped up a convincing win.
“What a week,” said Burns.
“I’m so tired. I felt like I found something towards the end of my match with Scottie and was able to carry that on this afternoon.
“It means a lot. I’ve been in a play-off in a WGC before and I ultimately did not get it done.
“So to have the opportunity today – very honoured to have that opportunity to compete against Cam, who is one of the best players in the world. I’m very pleased.”
Rory McIlroy came out on top in his heavyweight clash with World Number One Scottie Scheffler in the consolation match, winning 2&1 to finish third, and moves to the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex.
Earlier in the day, Burns had beaten his close friend Scheffler in a back-and-forth semi-final encounter which was decided at the third play-off hole. Young, meanwhile, defeated McIlroy at the first extra hole in their evenly-matched contest.
