Bryson DeChambeau says he is now on a ‘double mission’ after his impressive four-shot victory at the PGA Northern Trust tournament, the opening event of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Play-Off Series.
The 24-year-old American captured his second PGA Tour victory this year, and his third in 13 months, courtesy of a closing 69 for an 18-under-par total at Ridgewood County Club in New York.
DeChambeau headed into the last round of the tournament with a four-shot lead, and stretched that to six with birdies on his opening two holes. Bogeys at the third and ninth saw his lead cut to two, as his rivals, including Aaron Wise, made strides on the front nine. However, when DeChambeau birdied 12 and 13, and his rivals’ challenge stalled, it was then a matter of by how many shots he would win.
DeChambeau parred his remaining five holes, including saving par after a wild drive way right into the spectators on the last hole.
“I’m a man on a mission right now. With two missions actually, one being the Ryder Cup and other winning the FedEx Cup,” said DeChambeau, who collected $1.62m in prize money and moved up to 12th in the world rankings. “I’m doing pretty well right now, and I just got to keep moving forward in the right direction.”
DeChambeau’s win comes after letting victory slip in last month’s European Open in Germany, and also missing the cut in the PGA Championship, which resulted in him missing out on automatic selection for the US Ryder Cup team. But victory in New Jersey will surely be enough to earn him a captain’s pick when Jim Furyk announces three of his four wildcard choices next week.
“I got the job done today, that’s for sure,” DeChambeau said. “It’s been a lot of hard work this past month. It’s not been seamless, and not making the top eight in the Ryder Cup was disappointing for sure. I’ve got three wins under my belt now, and I’m really proud of that.”
Also in line for a debut Ryder Cup cap is Tony Finau, who finished second on 14 under par after a final round 68. “I think if I’m in the conversation for selection, this doesn’t hurt my chances,” he said. “I had a solid week all around. My game feels good and I feel confident, so whatever Jim’s decision is, I’ll be ready to play.”