GOLF.AI • Today

Sunday's Slips and Slides in Japan

While Michael Brennan celebrated his victory at the Baycurrent Classic, the final round at Yokohama Country Club was defined by the heartbreaking near-misses of those who let the title slip through their fingers. For a trio of contenders, Sunday was a story of what could have been.

Keith Mitchell looked unstoppable early in his round. After a blistering start that included three birdies and an eagle through just eight holes, he soared to 17-under par and appeared to be in complete control of the tournament. However, his momentum vanished with critical bogeys on holes 9 and 12. Despite finishing with five straight pars, the damage was done, and he ultimately finished in a tie for second, just one shot shy of the winner.

Jacob Bridgeman’s runner-up finish came down to a single, agonizing moment. After grinding all day to stay in contention, he faced a five-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole that would have tied him for the lead. The putt slid by, a miss he later admitted would "sting a little bit." Unable to convert a long-shot birdie on the 18th, Bridgeman also finished at 15-under, haunted by the one that got away.

Perhaps the most dramatic collapse belonged to Adam Scott. Seeking to end a frustrating winless streak of more than six years, the Australian started the day just one shot off the lead. His charge officially ended on the 13th hole, where a disastrous double bogey derailed his hopes. Scott, who had expressed his frustration with the long drought before the round, finished with a one-over 72, tumbling down the leaderboard to a T13 finish.