GOLF
Chris Kirk credits comeback from alcohol abuse for The Sentry win
American golfer happy to be known for his recovery from a drinking problem as he wins in Hawaii to give his sport a welcome redemption story amid its civil war
Kirk finished on 29 under par to win by one stroke in Hawaii
MICHAEL REAVES/GETTY IMAGES
Chris Kirk delivered a timely dose of perspective to the golfing world as he reflected on winning the 2024 PGA Tour opener in Hawaii. The American said that he was happy to be known as the player who had come back from alcohol abuse and depression after climbing to a career-high 25 in the official rankings.
Kirk’s winning score of 29 under gave him The Sentry title at a defenceless Plantation Course on Maui, and underscored a personal story of resilience.
Having quit the game in 2019 to seek help with his problems, he won his first event in eight years at the Honda Classic last February. That landmark led to some tip-toeing around his old issues after he finished a stroke ahead of Sahith
