Superb Taylor pockets $2,180,000 as runner up at WM Phoenix Open.... final scoreboard

 PGA Tour: WM Phoenix Open final here.

The most money in one tournament Jack Nicklaus ever won was $144,000 for the 1986 Masters.

The six players who T23 on the weekend in Phoenix won $174,000.

Scottie Scheffler was brilliant all week 68 64 68 65 -19. This devout young Christian isn't driven by money, he and his family have given their lives to Jesus and believe what ever he wants for their lives will be done.

Well, whatever what they believe, he is now the world #1 and just equalled the biggest pay day in PGA Tour history at $3,600,000 by edging Canada's Nick Taylor at the last hole by 2 shots to successfully defend his title.

Nick Taylor 2020 winner at Pebble Beach

I can't say enough about Taylor and Adam Hadwin for that matter. Hadwin was in the lead after 36 holes and played well  71 71 on n the weekend T10 worth $485,000, that's along with notables like Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffelle.

Taylor aided by his Canadian caddie Dave Markle, on the other hand matched Scheffler shot for shot all week 66 69 67 65 -17, either player could have won. As it happened Scheffler's 25 foot putt across the green for eagle at 13 is the kind of  thing that goes to the winner, Taylor made birdie, but the final twist was Nick's bogey at the par 3 16th to Scheffler's par, then when his putt horseshoed out at 17 for par, while the American was making birdie, the difference was too much despite Nick's birdie finish.

They both shot 65, Nick hit the jackpot worth $2,180,000 and more important a bigger bag full of confidence going forward.

Afterwards Scheffler admitted " I was lucky to come out on top this time, Nick really pushed my game to the next level"

Taylor had this to say " I played great today, didn't  make many mistakes, maybe the bogey at 16, but I hit a great shot in there, the wind was crazy strong. I'd love to have that chip again, but really I putted great. hit a lot of great shots, no complaints really."

Corey Connors T50 70 72 71 70 -1 worth $48,524

Taylor Pendrith T57 worth $45,600

There are 13 of these designated events, plus the 4 majors this year with these super sized purses all driven by the ridiculous Saudi money for LIV.

There are 4 more coming up before the Masters. This week at Riviera $20,000,000, then the Arnold Palmer March 2 followed by the Players March 9 worth $25,000,000, then the WGC Match Play March 22 another 20,000,000.

Somewhere, Greg Norman who has become despised in many quarters over his role in the whole LIV series, is telling everyone who will listen, "everyone of these guys should be calling me today to say thanks !"

Bryan Angus