Napa (United States) (AFP)
American Cameron Champ, overwhelmed by emotion due to a family tragedy, managed to keep his cool to win the Safeway Open, counting for the North American PGA Tour, after the 4th and final round, Sunday at Napa, California.
Field, winner of the 2nd tournament of his career after the Sandersons Farm in 2018, immediately dedicated his victory to his paternal grandfather, currently terminally ill with stomach cancer.
"That I do not win more tournament or that I win ten more, this victory will certainly be the biggest of my career as a golfer," he said in tears after making a last card of 69, for finish with a total of 17 shots under par.
The 24-year-old won in front of Canada's Adam Hadwin, who made him tremble all the way to the end but finished with one shot, and the Australian Marc Leishman relegated to three shots.
"It was the first time that I did not feel nervous all day long," Champ said while receiving his trophy on the course in Napa, an hour's drive from the Sacramento area where he grew up and learned to play golf thanks in part to his grandfather Mack.
"It just means everything," concluded Champ wiping new tears. "It has been difficult, but my father is here, I have so much support, family members and friends."
Final ranking of the Safeway Open after the 4th round (par 72):
1. Cameron Field (USA) -17 (67-68-67-69)
2. Adam Hadwin (CAN) -16 (68-70-67-67)
3. Marc Leishman (AUS) -14 (70-72-67-65)
4. Charles Owell III (USA) -13 (73-65-69-68)
. Zac Blair (USA) -13 (75-66-66-68)
. Justin Thomas (USA) -13 (71-64-71-69)
7. Dylan Frittelli (RSA) -12 (70-65-75-66)
. Cameron Percy (AUS) -12 (70-69-70-67)
. Xinjun Zhang (CHN) -12 (69-68-70-69)
10. Nick Watney (USA) -11 (69-65-72-71)
. Collin Morikawa (USA) -11 (72-64-70-71)
. Nick Taylor (CAN) -11 (69-66-70-72)
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© 2019 AFP