Hill beats Strickler in Dakota Dunes playoff

Saskatoon, SK – Matt Hill two-putted for birdie on the fourth playoff hole Sunday to defeat Will Strickler and win the Dakota Dunes Casino Open.

Hill, who lost in a playoff last week, closed with a 4-under 68 to match Strickler at 19-under 269. Strickler finished there first after a 66.

The duo played the 18th at Dakota Dunes Golf Links until there was a winner.

The first time through, Hill three-putted for par from the fringe while Strickler pitched his third to 22 feet and two-putted.

Both players then found the fairway off the tee and Hill knocked his second onto the green for the advantage. Strickler's second hit a hospitality tent and ended in a waste bunker.

Strickler pitched to 12 feet and, after Hill missed his eagle try, he two- putted for par. Hill had a chance to end it, but missed a four-foot birdie effort.

The pair both found the fairway again off the tee the third time through and their approach shots stopped next to each other. They both two-putted for birdie and it was back to the 18th tee for a fourth time.

Hill again found the short grass off the tee but Strickler's drive stopped in the first cut, and he knocked his second into a bunker. Hill found the putting surface with his second.

After Strickler blasted to seven feet, Hill two-putted for birdie. Strickler's birdie try failed to drop, which gave Hill his first tour title.

Jose de Jesus Rodriguez, who led after the second and third rounds, closed with a 2-under 70 and finished in third alongside James Allenby (69) and Joel Dahmen (68).

Michael Gligic (65) ended alone in sixth at 17-under 271.

NOTES: Hill earned $24,000 for the win...Last year's winner, Joe Panzeri, stumbled to a 1-over 73 to share 43rd at 6-under-par 282...The tour heads to Winnipeg next week for The Players Cup, where Tom Hoge won last year.