DUBLIN, Ohio — J.T. Poston built a four-shot lead Sunday morning, watched it vanish in the afternoon and still delivered the biggest victory of his career at the Memorial Tournament.
Poston made a 7-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to salvage an even-par 72 and force a playoff with Ryan Gerard. He then won on the second extra hole when Gerard missed a 6-foot par putt, claiming the 50th Memorial at Muirfield Village Golf Club.
Both players finished regulation at 12-under 276. Poston earned $4 million and 700 FedExCup points for his fourth PGA Tour title.
Poston, 33, started the final round with a commanding lead after a rain delay pushed the conclusion into Sunday. He lost the advantage after 12 holes as Gerard (and others) mounted a charge, including a 37-foot birdie putt on the 17th. But Poston responded with clutch play down the stretch, making birdies on three of his last five holes in regulation.
In the playoff, both parred the first extra hole. On the second go-round on 18, Poston two-putted for par while Gerard three-putted.
Poston shook hands with tournament host Jack Nicklaus afterward as his family rushed onto the green in celebration.
“It sounds like a dream,” Poston said, when asked what it sounds like to be called the 2026 Memorial champion.
“Just incredibly proud, incredibly humbled. This is one of the events that we have circled on our calendar at the start of the year every year, and it just feels amazing to get it done, and just to be a part of the rich history here.
“We were talking about the past winners. It’s a good bunch, and to be able to add my name to that list is incredible.”
The win for Poston secured spots in the season’s two remaining majors: the U.S. Open later this month, and next month’s British Open. He also earned an exemption into next year’s Masters.
Gerard, who carded a final-round 68, fell just short in what would have been his first regular PGA Tour victory — his only career Tour win was at the opposite-field Barracuda.
Top 10: Final Leaderboard
Pos-Player-Score (Final Rd)
1. J.T. Poston -12 (E)
2. Ryan Gerard -12 (-4)
3. Wyndham Clark -11 (-5)
4. Tommy Fleetwood -10 (-4)
4. Sam Burns -10 (-3)
6. Kristoffer Reitan -8 (-7)
6. Alex Fitzpatrick -8 (-7)
8. Eric Cole -7 (-2)
9. Alex Noren -6 (-2)
10. Si Woo Kim -5 (-6)
10. Maverick McNealy -5 (-1)
