Maruyama Breaks Through With First PGA Victory

Shigeki Maruyama became the first Japanese player to win a PGA Tour event on the mainland, beating Charles Howell III in a playoff Sunday in the Greater Milwaukee Open.

And what’s next?

Maruyama didn’t need his interpreter to answer that one.

“Beat Tiger Woods!” he bellowed, flashing his ever-present smile a little wider than usual after imitating Tiger’s trademark uppercut and jaw-dropping shout.

“Shigeki is a great player,” Howell said. “He’s probably one of the nicest guys out here. He’s always smiling. But now he’s obviously got a reason to smile.”

Maruyama sank a 4 1/2-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole after Howell missed a seven-footer for par on the 18th at Brown Deer Park.

The only other Japanese winner on the PGA Tour was Isao Aoki, who won the 1983 Hawaiian Open when he holed a fairway shot for eagle on the final hole.

Howell closed with a seven-under 64 and Maruyama had a 66 to finish at 18-under 266. J.P. Hayes (63) and Tim Herron (67) tied for third, three strokes back.

Third-round leader Jeff Sluman tied for 10th place after shooting a 72.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Up Next

PGA: Thursday through Sunday--British Open, Lytham St. Annes, England

LPGA: Thursday through Sunday--Big Apple Classic, New Rochelle, N.Y.

Senior PGA: Friday through Sunday--SBC Senior Open, Long Grove, Ill.