Holmes seals Quail Hollow victory
American golfer marks successful comeback with first title since 2011
ADMIRABLE RECOVERY: Holmes had surgery late in 2011 to correct structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. PHOTO: AFP
CHARLOTTE:
JB Holmes survived two late bogeys to win the US PGA Tour Wells Fargo Championship on Sunday, his first title since he underwent brain surgery in 2011.
The American fired a final-round 71 on the par-72 Quail Hollow course for a 14-under total of 274 and a one-stroke victory over Jim Furyk.
Furyk stormed into contention with a seven-under 65, but overnight leader Holmes's effort – capped by a three-footer for bogey at the last – was good enough for a third career title.
His previous two came at Phoenix in 2006 and 2008, but since then he had been slowed by health troubles.
He began 2014 playing on a medical exemption, but had won enough money by April to secure his spot on tour for the remainder of the year.
"It feels great," said Holmes. "It's been a long journey for me. I've had some ups and downs, so it's a great feeling to be out here and get one done.
“I felt good going all day. I played well and hit the driver well. It was a good day for me."
American Martin Flores carded a final-round 72 for sole possession of third place on 276. Jason Bohn carded a 70 for 277.
US Open champion Justin Rose of England carded a 71 for fifth place on 278.
Phil Mickelson, who won the most recent of his five major titles at the British Open last year, had charged into contention on Saturday with a nine-under par 63.
But the US star slumped to a four-over 76 that included three bogeys and one double-bogey to fall into a tie for 11th on 281.
JB Holmes survived two late bogeys to win the US PGA Tour Wells Fargo Championship on Sunday, his first title since he underwent brain surgery in 2011.
The American fired a final-round 71 on the par-72 Quail Hollow course for a 14-under total of 274 and a one-stroke victory over Jim Furyk.
Furyk stormed into contention with a seven-under 65, but overnight leader Holmes's effort – capped by a three-footer for bogey at the last – was good enough for a third career title.
His previous two came at Phoenix in 2006 and 2008, but since then he had been slowed by health troubles.
He began 2014 playing on a medical exemption, but had won enough money by April to secure his spot on tour for the remainder of the year.
"It feels great," said Holmes. "It's been a long journey for me. I've had some ups and downs, so it's a great feeling to be out here and get one done.
“I felt good going all day. I played well and hit the driver well. It was a good day for me."
American Martin Flores carded a final-round 72 for sole possession of third place on 276. Jason Bohn carded a 70 for 277.
US Open champion Justin Rose of England carded a 71 for fifth place on 278.
Phil Mickelson, who won the most recent of his five major titles at the British Open last year, had charged into contention on Saturday with a nine-under par 63.
But the US star slumped to a four-over 76 that included three bogeys and one double-bogey to fall into a tie for 11th on 281.