Holmes victorious at Quail Hollow

Nearly three years after undergoing brain surgery, JB Holmes returned to the winners’ circle on Sunday with victory at the Wells Fargo Championship.
The 32-year-old American survived two late bogeys as his final round of one-under-par 71 at Quail Hollow helped him to a tournament total of 14 under, which was one shot better than Jim Furyk.
Martin Flores was another stroke adrift with Jason Bohn at 11 under and Justin Rose fifth at 10 under.
Holmes, whose last title came in 2008 before he underwent brain surgery in 2011, didn’t start his round well as he made a bogey at the second hole, but bounced back with three birdies in four holes around the turn.
He moved to 16 under with another birdie at the 15th before dropping shots at the 16th and 18th, but was good enough for the victory.
“Since then I’ve had two brain surgeries, broke my ankle, had arm surgery, the list goes on,” he said.
“I’ve had some ups and downs. To win at a venue like this, with such a good field, I’m ecstatic.”
He added: “It feels great. First I want to think my Lord and saviour for being with me this week and giving me the strength to do this, I definitely couldn’t do it myself. That’s first and foremost.
“It’s been a long journey for me, there’s been some ups and downs but it’s a great feeling to be out here and get one done. I’m happy with the way the year is going.”
Furyk made a brilliant final day charge with a five birdies and an eagle at the par-five 15th while Flores was steady with a 72.
US Open champion Rose, though, didn’t quite manage to put the pressure on overnight leader Holmes as he produced four birdies, a bogey and a double bogey at the 18th.
Two-time major winner McIlroy’s late charge also failed to materialise as he finished with a 72 after three birdies and three bogeys while Phil Mickelson fared even worse with three bogeys and a double bogey in his 76.
“I struggled to get the ball to the hole on the greens,” he said. “If I hadn’t shot 76 on Friday I would have been right there in the mix, but it’s getting there.”
Latest
-
News
Westwood, McDowell back petition to allow English golf courses to open
The duo have added their names to a petition that has passed 100 000 signatures.
-
News
Xander Schauffele pledges to ‘fake it until I make it’ after contracting Covid
Schauffele is one of 16 players in the Sentry Tournament of Champions who failed to win an official event last season.
-
News
After years with TaylorMade, Jon Rahm joins Callaway
Spaniard will have Callaway woods and irons in his bag at Sentry Tournament of Champions.
-
News
What to expect from the 2021 OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic
There are more prestigious events on the European Tour, but there’s no denying that the Dubai Desert Classic just has something about it.
-
News
Organisers delay ticketing process for 2021 Masters as another fan shutout looms
Augusta National Golf Club is considering its options before making a call on 2021 Masters.
-
News
Tiger Woods’ former swing coach: I think I over-coached him
Sean Foley reckons he didn’t give Tiger the help he really needed.
-
News
Greg Norman returns home from hospital to await coronavirus test results
The 65-year-old spent Christmas Day in hospital after experiencing symptoms.
-
News
Greg Norman in hospital with coronavirus
The 65-year-old shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed on Christmas Day.
-
News
Lee Westwood sees age as no barrier to his golfing aspirations
Westwood, at the age of 47, has been crowned European Tour’s Golfer of the Year for 2020.
-
News
Tiger Woods and son Charlie finish seventh in PNC Championship
Tiger said it was “incredibly special” to spend quality time with his son on the golf course.