Washington (AFP) – Finland’s Sami Valimaki fired a four-under-par 66 to hold off American Max McGreevy by one stroke on Sunday and win the RSM Classic for his first US PGA Tour title. The 27-year-old European finished 72 holes on 23-under 259 at Georgia’s Sea Island resort with McGreevy on 260 after a closing 63 and American Ricky Castillo third on 261 after a 62 on Sunday. He became the first Finnish player to capture a US PGA Tour event.
“It has been a long road,” he said. “It was a really tough year even when I played decent golf, and then to keep pushing and find some good grooves in the last few tournaments, it feels amazing.”
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World number 98 Valimaki birdied the second and fourth holes then answered a bogey at the fifth with birdies at the eighth and 10th. McGreevy sank a 29-foot birdie putt at the 18th hole to match Valimaki for the lead at 22-under before the Finn reached the green in two at the par-five 15th and tapped in for a birdie to seize the solo lead on 23-under.
After missing the green with his approach but putting onto the short grass, Valimaki sank a par putt from just outside 18 feet at the par-four 16th to stay in the lead and finished with routine tap-in pars at 17 and 18 for the victory.
“I have a little disconnect with my chipping,” Valimaki said of his choice at 16. “At least I knew I’m going to get it on the green if I use the putter and just give me the chance.”
© 2024 AFP
