Record-chasing Vijay Singh's hopes dashed as Keith Mitchell wins title

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Fijian golfer Vijay Singh's dreams of becoming the oldest winner on the PGA Tour were shattered as the former world number one faltered on the final round of the Honda Classic on Sunday.

The 56-year-old, who carded a five-under 65 in Saturday's third round to move into the second place on the leaderboard, lost a chance to be in the mix when he hit his tee shot badly at the 17th and the ball rolled into the water on Sunday at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S..

Subsequently, American golfer Keith Mitchell's 15-foot birdie putt at the last hole helped him win his first PGA Tour event with a one-stroke victory dashing Singh's hopes. Mitchell, who is a second-year professional, claimed the top position ahead of Brooks Koepka and Rickie Fowler with a final round 67 to finish at nine-under 271.

American golfer Keith Mitchell lifts the trophy after winning the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S., March 3, 2019. /VCG Photo

In fact, towards the end, the experienced duo of Koepka and Fowler tried to put the pressure on but Mitchell held his nerves and denied them a chance at a playoff at PGA National with his long putt.

Earlier, the 27-year-old made a shaky start on the final day with back-to-back bogeys but soon clawed his way into the game with birdies at four of the final seven holes.

After his maiden triumph, a jubilant Mitchell told NBC television, "I've been close before and I let my emotions take over. I bogeyed the first couple of holes and I said, 'Not again.'"

His final day haul was six birdies and three bogeys.

"I was trying to focus on what was going on. My mind started wandering there a little bit at the end ... and then I hit a great putt," Mitchell added.

Ryan Palmer and Lucas Glover were the joint fourth at seven-under 273 while Singh had a disappointing sixth at six-under as he missed a chance to set the milestone.