Chris Kirk made the best of going off first in the final round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
Kirk tied the competitive course record at Kapalua's Plantation Course in Hawaii, shooting 11-under 62 in an efficient two hours, 48 minutes to jump from last place into the top 10 at the first PGA Tour event of 2015.
The 2014 Deutsche Bank champion started his run with three consecutive birdies beginning at the par-4 fourth hole. A birdie at the par-5 ninth, the second on the side after the fifth, sent Kirk out in 4-under 32. As the final tally indicates, Kirk had an outstanding back nine, dropping seven birdies, including a chip-in from just off the green at the short par-4 13th hole. A two-birdie at the par-5 finisher locked up the round of the week.
Kirk admitted some rust in the first three rounds, which particularly showed in his short game. Finally warm after three rounds, and with nothing to lose, Kirk flexed his game on Monday.
As for why Kirk played alone, he was the odd man out in the field that was originally 34 players. However, Kevin Stadler withdrew ahead of the third round, leaving the last-player to go off by themselves each of the last two days.
While the tee time wasn't desirable, the result sure was.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
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