Justin Lower Executes Unconventional Par Save at The Players Championship
In a surprising display of skill at this year’s Players Championship, golfer Justin Lower managed to make par on the challenging 17th hole through an unexpected turn of events. Known for its notorious island green, the hole often proves to be a significant challenge for players, and Lower’s experience was no different.
A Dramatic Tee Shot
Lower, 35, faced a critical moment when his tee shot soared over the 137-yard island green, landing in the water. This left him in a precarious position, as he prepared to take his next shot from the drop area, approximately 80 yards from the hole.
Miraculous Recovery
Undeterred by the situation, Lower executed a wedge shot that made an impressive two hops on the green before rolling directly into the hole. This remarkable achievement allowed him to save par without ever having to use his putter, showcasing his precision and nerve under pressure.
Justin Lower plays a shot from the second tee during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course – South Course, Jan. 22, 2025. (Abe Arredondo/Imagn Images)
Round Overview
Starting his round with a total of 11 consecutive pars, Lower found himself at 1-over par after 13 holes, particularly impacted by a double bogey on the fourth hole. His skills on the difficult 17th stood out, especially since many other players struggled with the hole, falling victim to the watery hazards surrounding it.
Current Tournament Dynamics
As Lower navigated through the tournament, Lucas Glover took the lead at 4-under par after completing 10 holes, adding another layer of competition to the event. Lower, who turned professional in 2011 and finally joined the PGA Tour in 2022, has been working diligently to leverage his experiences and improve his standings.
Justin Lower putts on the fourth green during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course – South Course Jan. 22, 2025. (Abe Arredondo/Imagn Images)
Lower’s Career Highlights
Having made 60 cuts out of 102 potential entries during his PGA career, Lower has yet to claim his first victory, despite securing notable placements, including one runner-up and two third-place finishes. This year, he has achieved one top-10 finish within the PGA Tour season.
Championship Context
Justin Lower’s extraordinary act on the 17th hole adds to the narrative of The Players Championship, particularly as Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, aims for an unprecedented third consecutive title following his previous victories in the last two years. Scheffler, along with other top competitors, will continue to compete for the championship title as the tournament unfolds.
Justin Lower lines up his putt on the first hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Spyglass Hill Golf Course Jan. 31, 2025. (Kyle Terada/Imagn Images)
For real-time updates on The Players Championship and in-depth coverage of professional golf, follow Fox News Sports.
