American Hudson Swafford shot 67 at PGA West Stadium Course on Sunday for a breakthrough victory on the PGATour.
‘They don’t give them away out here. It’s not easy,’ he said. ‘I’ve been close. I’ve been in the heat lately. Just keep putting myself in position, and this just feels unbelievable.’
The American finished the tournament at 20 under par and was one shot better than second-placed Adam Hadwin, who shot 59 on Saturday.
‘If (not wining) doesn’t bother you, that all your friends have won around you, then you probably need to look for another job,’ said Swafford. ‘It wasn’t holding me back or anything, but it creates a little fire. Playing with these guys day-in, day-out, it motivates you.’
The 29 year old showed fighting spirit after a three-putt at the first hole and went on to birdie three of the last four holes for his breakthrough victory.
‘I was like, “I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but we’re going to be right in the mix on 18, and we’re going to have a chance to win and this is going to be a fun afternoon,”’ he explained.
Rory Sabbatini made the cut on the number and then shot 74 on Sunday to share 72nd place, while Brandon Stone bowed out with a missed cut in his first regular event on the PGA Tour.