Pepperell, Vegas feed frenzy at famed 17 with long putts

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) Eddie Pepperell's 50-foot birdie putt sent the packed gallery surrounding the island green into a frenzy.

Jhonattan Vegas one-upped him a few minutes later.

Vegas drained a 70-footer that broke the tournament record for the longest recorded putt at the 17th green Sunday. Bernhard Langer held the previous mark, a 59-footer in the second round in 2008. The PGA Tour started keeping track of putt lengths in 2003.

The putts provided two memorable moments - in consecutive groups, no less - and added to a frantic finish at The Players Championship.

''Absolutely mind-blowing, simple as that,'' Vegas said. ''It never crossed my mind that I was going to make such a long putt on such a phenomenal hole. But it's one of those things. That's kind of what you play golf for, to be in those kinds of situations.

''Playing the 17th hole with that crowd, it just doesn't get any better. Obviously the type of memories that last a lifetime and something that I'll remember for forever.''

Pepperell has a similar keepsake. He started walking toward the hole after striking the ball, knowing it would be close. He had no idea it would be perfect.

''I was kind of relieved I didn't have to face a 3-footer in front of all those people,'' Pepperell said. ''And then, obviously, when it went in, yeah, what can I say? It was pretty awesome, to be fair.''

The birdies left Pepperell and Vegas tied for the lead in the final round at 14 under.

Jim Furyk and eventual winner Rory McIlroy supplanted them a few minutes later.

Pepperell and Vegas finished tied for third - thanks to two improbable putts.

''Unbelievable, man. Absolutely unbelievable,'' Vegas said. ''To choose that hole and make such an incredible putt with the tournament on the line, you know, it couldn't be any more special. I was extremely happy to two-putt from there, and the moment I saw that ball anywhere close to going in, I got extremely excited. That's kind of what that hole gives you, and that's why this is such an amazing place.''