Hertfordshire’s Tom Lewis can look forward to playing on the lucrative PGA Tour for the 2019-2020 season after he won the Korn Ferry Tour Championship, held at Victoria National Golf Club in Indiana, by five shots.
Lewis, who decided to enter the tournament at the last minute after failing to make in-roads on the European Tour this season, took control of the end-of-season event with a second-round 66, and after supplementing it with another six-under-par round, he took a two-shot lead into the final round.
While doubtless focused on winning the tournament, the dual Portugal Masters champion, who is currently ranked 48th in the Race to Dubai, also knew that a top-five finish would guaranteed him a PGA Tour card. In the end, he secured both with the minimum of fuss, closing out with a superb 65 to win with a 23-under-par total.
After a dropped shot from Fabian Gomez, his nearest pursuer, Lewis birdied the par-five 15th, and then almost holed his approach to the 16th green as he ultimately completed what could be a life-changing victory.
Securing a PGA Tour card presents a conundrum for the 28-year-old from Welwyn, who may now be tempted to remain in the US for the start of the new season in less than a fortnight and forego opportunities on the European Tour.
Lewis would have been expected to defend his title in Portugal in October, an event which clashes with the Houston Open, while he’s got form in the Dunhill Links, which collides with the Safeway Open.
For now Lewis can celebrate the fourth professional victory of a career which had looked to be faltering until he won the Bridgestone Challenge on the Challenge Tour almost exactly a year ago, which in turn provided the springboard for a second victory in Portugal.