CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) — Hunter Mahan was not the fan favorite when he came down the 18th fairway trying for the Travelers Championship.
That honor went to Jay Williamson, a 40-year old journeyman who had played baseball and hockey at nearby Trinity College.
Williamson, playing on a sponsor's exemption, needed the win to get back his tour card.
But after a dramatic 72nd hole Sunday, and an even more dramatic playoff hole, it was Mahan who earned his first PGA Tour victory with a 2-foot birdie putt.
``It's only natural (fans) cheer hard for guys they kind of recognize and know,'' Mahan said. ``There's an emotional connection between that kind of player and the fans and stuff and it energizes on every shot, it makes it even better and better.''
Mahan shot a 65, but was trailing by a stroke on the final hole.
When Williamson hit a 161-yard second shot to within 12 feet, the crowd roared.
Then Mahan hit a 144-yard approach to within 7 feet.
Williamson missed a 12-footer for birdie, and the crowd groaned. Mahan put his shot in the back of the cup, pumping his fist and sending the pair back to the tee.
``I just kept plugging away,'' he said. ``Jay gave me a little opening on 18 and I'm glad I made it.''
Williamson went right after the flag again in the playoff and his second shot landed just over 7 feet away.
Mahan then hit his 134-yard approach to within 2 feet.
Williamson pushed his putt right, and could only watch as Mahan made what was almost a gimme.
``I hit it too hard and I hit it too high,'' Williamson said. ``I'm not proud of either putt, but I'm proud of the way I played today.''
