October 28, 2008

PING pro Hunter Mahan has a history of going low and putting incredible under-par streaks together, but his six-under-par run in five holes at New Zealand’s Kiwi Challenge may rank as his most impressive. It was enough to earn Mahan, who has shot 62 five times in his PGA Tour career, a spot in a playoff for $1.5 million that he eventually won with a par.

The four-player event was held at the Kauri Cliffs course in the Bay of Islands and the Cape Kidnappers course on New Zealand’s North Island. The spectacular coastal setting matched Mahan against Anthony Kim, Brandt Snedeker and Adam Scott in a 36-hole, made-for-TV format. After an opening round 71, Mahan trailed by five and his chance at victory appeared slim until he arrived at the 13th hole where he began his remarkable run. He birdied 13, 14 and 15 before holing a 21-foot eagle effort on the par-5 16th. He added another birdie at 17 and parred 18 to complete a back-nine 30 and force the playoff with Kim. Two extra holes later Mahan collected the largest check of his career.

It caps an eventful last few months for Mahan that saw him star in the United States’ Ryder Cup triumph. Playing in all five matches, the 26-year-old went undefeated (3-0-2) and earned the praise of the golfing world in his debut performance. In that time, he has also switched to several new PING products. Since late July, he’s added the new S57 irons, an iWi D66 putter and most recently the new Rapture V2 driver to his bag.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had a run like I did today,” Mahan said.

The event will be televised on NBC in the United States November 15-16, 2008. Check local listings for exact times.