Jake Knapp of the United States has claimed his first career victory at the PGA Tour’s Mexico Open, which has a total prize of $8.1 million.
On the 26th (Korean time), Knapp scored two birdies and two pars for an even-par 71 in the final fourth round of the tournament held at Vidanta Vallarta Course (par-71) in Vallarta, Mexico.
With a final total of 19-under-par 265, Knapp edged out second-place Sami Valimaki of Finland (17-under-par 267) by two strokes to claim the top spot.
Knapp, 30, has had three wins on the PGA Canada Tour and has also competed in the secondary tour, the Korn Ferry Tour.
During this time, he trained for golf during the day and dreamed of making it to the PGA Tour while working as a nightclub and wedding hall security guard at night.
Finally making his debut on the PGA Tour this season, Knapp savored the thrill of victory in his fifth season and ninth overall PGA Tour appearance, winning a total prize of $1,488,000.
Among the Korean players, Lee Kyung Hoon (33, CJ) and Kim Seong Hyeon (26, Shinhan Financial Group) were cut, while Korean-Americans Doug Ghim and Chan Kim both made it to the Top 10.
Doug Ghim added a 4-under-par in the final round, and Chan Kim maintained his score with an even par.
They both finished the tournament tied for 8th place with a final total of 12-under-par 272.
starburyny@news1.kr
