J.J. Henry is High Scorer, Wins Barracuda Championship

J.J. Henry came out on top after a thrilling final round at Montreux. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It was a thrilling finish at Sunday’s Barracuda Championship, but in the end, it was 54-hole leader J.J. Henry who wound up holding on for the victory. Playing the PGA Tour’s only event to feature the Modified Stableford format, in which players try to accumulate points over the course of four days, he managed just six in the final round–and that was with the help of four birdies on the back nine.

Still, Henry’s total was enough to get him into a sudden death playoff against Kyle Reifers, which he won in two holes. It was his second time hoisting the trophy at Montreux Golf and Country Club, three years after his victory at what was formerly the Reno-Tahoe Open.

the back-and-forth dramatics over the last few holes rivaled those of any tour stop.

This may have been an alternate event, but the back-and-forth dramatics over the last few holes rivaled those of any tour stop. Reifers teed off well ahead of the final group and racked up a whopping 22 points on the day, good for a tournament record. He was helped by three eagles on the back nine, earning him 15 points on those holes alone. Still, his barrage was only good enough to bring it to a playoff.

After a strong approach from Henry, Reifers delivered a thrilling moment on the first hole of sudden death by sinking a mid-range putt for birdie to extend play. However, it was Henry, 40, who provided the fireworks on the second hole, making an eagle from just off of the green and watching as Reifers failed to match, sealing the victory.

It was a big win for Henry, his third on the PGA Tour. Prior to this week, the Connecticut native sat in 151st place in FedEx Cup points, one spot out of earning conditional status for next year. That had to have been distressing for the Ryder Cup veteran, who has maintained his PGA Tour card for every season in this millennium.

Now, instead of worrying about his status, he’ll get to enjoy two years of full exemption. Additionally, 350 FedEx Cup points will allow him to get in on the playoff fun that’s in store for the top 125 later this month.

More from Pro Golf Now