As the final round unfolded, the spotlight was on two stars seeking a return to the winner's circle. With four holes remaining, Thomas looked certain to end his winless run since the 2022 PGA Championship. Holding a three-shot lead over Hovland, the American appeared in control. However, his challenge unravelled in just over 20 minutes.

The notoriously difficult closing stretch at Innisbrook, known as the Snake Pit, proved decisive. Thomas dropped a shot at the par four 16th, while Hovland surged with birdies on the 14th, 16th, and 17th holes, overtaking Thomas on the leaderboard.

At the end of 72 holes, it was Hovland who stood victorious, lifting his first trophy since his triumph at the Tour Championship in August the previous year. He finished at 11 under par, one stroke clear of Thomas.

Despite missing out on the title, Thomas remained upbeat, recording his fourth top ten finish in eight starts this season. He had taken the lead midway through the round with a birdie on the 15th before his tee shot at the 16th found the trees. Forced to chip out, he salvaged a bogey, but that one dropped shot proved pivotal. Playing in the group behind, Hovland made a clinical birdie on the same hole with an approach to six feet.

At the par three 17th, Hovland rolled in an 11-footer for another birdie, while Thomas narrowly missed from 17 feet. On the closing hole, both players found trouble off the tee. Thomas made bogey, giving Hovland a cushion that allowed him to also card a bogey and still claim the win.

The Norwegian had arrived at the tournament on the back of three consecutive missed cuts and had been adjusting his swing following last year's FedExCup triumph. He had admitted earlier in the week to feeling uncertain over his form, but remained patient throughout.

His performance over the final holes showcased experience and resilience, outlasting a two-time major winner and former world number one on one of the PGA Tour's most challenging courses.

With this latest triumph, Hovland now stands as a seven-time PGA Tour winner and once again proved why he is among the game's elite.