James Hahn ends slump, wins Wells Fargo in playoff

James Hahn defeated Roberto Castro on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff Sunday and picked up his second career victory by winning the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, N.C.

The result was a shock considering Hahn missed the cut in each of his previous eight events.

"Eight straight missed cuts is tough. Not many people can understand this," an emotional Hahn said. "You start questioning if you're good enough and start wondering if you should sell shoes for a living.

"It's crazy to call myself a two-time PGA Tour champion. To do this on the first playoff hole is amazing."

Hahn, who is a former shoe salesman, won the tournament with a 4-foot-par putt on the 18th hole. Castro's tee shot landed in a creek on the left side of the fairway en route to a bogey.

Hahn, 34, shot a 2-under 70 to finish at 9-under 279 for the four rounds at Quail Hollow Club. Castro shot a final-round 71 and caught Hahn on the 72nd hole when Hahn bogeyed 18 prior to the playoff.

England's Justin Rose, who shot 71, finished one stroke back at 280. Phil Mickelson and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy -- who both shot final-round 66s -- were part of a quartet of golfers who tied for fourth at 281.

Mickelson had an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys in his round. McIlroy had eight birdies and two bogeys.

"Anytime you walk off the golf course and shoot 66, you can't be too disappointed," McIlroy said. "But I think in the circumstances, having a feeling like I had a chance on the back nine to post a number for the guys to at least think about it and I didn't, (it is disappointing)."

Rickie Fowler (74) and Andrew Loupe (71) also tied for fourth. Fowler was the leader after three rounds.

Fowler's final round was truly forgettable. He double-bogeyed No. 7 and had three bogeys, marking just the second time he has shot over par in a final round this season.

"Obviously it sucks," Fowler said of his collapse. "It's disappointing knowing where my game was at coming into today. I felt really good about being in the final group and getting the job done. But yeah, some little off swings off the tee and then catching that mud ball on 7, not exactly good fortune."

Lucas Glover (71) finished eighth, three shots behind Hahn and Castro.

Hahn's only other career victory came at the Northern Trust Open at Pacific Palisades, Calif., in 2015.

"You just start questioning yourself," Hahn said of his struggles. "Are you good enough? Will it ever happen again?"