Image credit: Supersport
(The Post News)- Brian Campbell held his nerve to clinch his first US PGA Tour title at the Mexico Open, edging out South African Aldrich Potgieter in a dramatic playoff on Sunday.
The 31-year-old American, who returned to the PGA Tour after his 2017 stint ended in a trip back to the Korn Ferry Tour, sealed the win with a three-and-a-half-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole—the par-five 18th. Potgieter, playing in just his 10th PGA Tour event, had a chance to extend the playoff but watched his six-foot birdie putt slide past the hole.
Both golfers had fought for pars on the first playoff hole after matching birdies on 18 in regulation play to finish tied at 20-under 264 at VidantaWorld resort in Puerta Vallarta. American Isaiah Salinda narrowly missed out, posting a final-round 65 for solo third at 265.
Campbell described the win as a testament to perseverance, admitting that he was overwhelmed by the moment and struggling to process what had happened after his final-round 70, which included four birdies and three bogeys.
With 187 starts across the PGA and Korn Ferry tours without a victory, Campbell’s breakthrough almost slipped away. His tee shot on the second playoff hole veered off course but was fortunately deflected back into play by a tree, ultimately setting up his winning moment. His determination and patience finally paid off.
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