Chris Kirk Player Profile And What's In The Bag

CHRIS KIRK produced one of sport’s great comeback stories as he claimed the Honda Classic, his first title in nearly eight years, after overcoming alcoholism and deep depression.

The 37-year-old, who took time off in 2019 to deal with his issues, beat fellow American Eric Cole in a play-off in Florida.

Although he dropped a shot at the final hole, Kirk birdied the 18th to win the play-off.

• Player Profile
• Last 10 Events
• Key Stats
• World Ranking
• What's In The Bag

"I came really close to losing everything I cared about," he said. "I'm so grateful for my sobriety. I'm so grateful for my family. I'm so grateful for everyone that supported me throughout the past three or four years, especially."

Kirk, whose most recent title came in May 2015, took indefinite leave from golf in May 2019 before returning six months later. Once as high as 16th in the world rankings, he had dropped to 188th when he took a break.

Kirk began the day at Palm Beach Gardens with a two-shot lead, but 34-year-old Cole, who has never won on Tour, carded a three-under-par 67 to set up a play-off. Kirk's fine second shot on the first play-off hole helped set up the birdie that secured his fifth Tour title.

American Tyler Duncan finished third on 12 under - two shots behind the leaders - while compatriot Ryan Gerard was a further two shots back.

England's Ben Taylor and Ireland's Shane Lowry were among five players who tied for fifth on nine under.

Player Profile

Kirk was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on May 8, 1985.

He played college golf at the University of Georgia and represented the USA at the Eisenhower Trophy in 2006 and the Walker Cup in 2007.

Kirk turned professional immediately after playing in the Walker Cup. He played on the Nationwide Tour for three seasons from 2008 until 2010. He won twice on the Nationwide Tour in 2010, finishing second in the money list and gaining his PGA Tour card despite missing the end of the season with a wrist injury.

As a PGA Tour rookie, he won his first tour event, the Viking Classic, which qualified him for the US PGA Championship. He finished his debut season in 42nd place in the FedEx Cup standings.

Kirk earned his second PGA Tour win at the McGladrey Classic in November 2013. Kirk won the Deutsche Bank Championship, the second event of the 2014 FedEx Cup Playoffs. He finished tied for fourth at the Tour Championship, the first time he had qualified for the event, to end the season second on the FedEx Cup standings behind Billy Horschel.

In 2015 he won the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial and climbed to 16th in the world rankings. Soon after this he broke his hand.

The 2017 season was his worst on the PGA Tour since joining in 2011, finishing 92nd in the FedEx Cup standings. Despite having only four top-10 finishes, 2018 was a better season as he missed just five cuts in 29 starts.

On May 7, 2019, Kirk announced that he was to take an "indefinite leave" from golf to deal with his alcohol and depression issues.

Last 10 Events

The Honda Classic - 1st

WM Phoenix Open - CUT

The American Express - T3rd

Sony Open in Hawaii - 3rd

The RSM Classic - CUT

World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba - T64th

The CJ Cup in South Carolina - T52nd

Shriners Children's Open - CUT

Sanderson Farms Championship - T30th

Fortinet Championship - T43rd

Key Stats (PGA Tour: 2022/23)

Driving Distance - 296.8 Yards

Driving Accuracy - 60.08%

Greens in Regulation - 70.42%

Sand Saves - 65.85%

Putts Per Round - 28.50

Scoring Average - 68.97

End of Year World Ranking Position

2020: 265

2021: 95

2022: 89

What's In Chris Kirk's Bag?

• Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (9 degrees), Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 TX
• 3-Wood: TaylorMade Stealth (15 degrees), Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 TX
• 5-Wood: TaylorMade Stealth (18 degrees), Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 TX
• Irons: Callaway Apex Pro ‘21 (4), Callaway Apex MB ‘18 (5-9), Shafts: Project X LZ 125 6.5
• Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw (46-10S @47, 50-10S @51), Vokey Design SM9 (56-10S), WedgeWorks (60-T), Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200
• Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG No. 5
• Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
• Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet