Finland’s Sami Valimaki secured his first PGA Tour victory on Sunday after carding a four-under-par 66 to edge American Max McGreevy by one stroke at the RSM Classic in Georgia.
Valimaki, 27, closed out the week at 23-under 259 at Sea Island, becoming the first Finnish player to win on the PGA Tour. McGreevy finished on 22-under 260 after a final-round 63, while American Ricky Castillo placed third on 21-under 261 following a 62.
“It has been a long road,” Valimaki 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.”
The world No 98 opened positively with birdies at the 2nd and 4th, and although he dropped a shot at the 5th, he recovered with gains at the 8th and 10th.
McGreevy briefly drew level after holing a 29-foot birdie putt at the 18th to reach 22 under. But Valimaki reclaimed the outright lead at the par-five 15th, reaching the green in two before tapping in for birdie to move to 23 under.
The Finn then held firm under pressure. After missing the green at the par-four 16th, he opted to putt from the short grass and holed an 18-foot par putt to maintain his advantage. Routine tap-in pars at the 17th and 18th sealed his breakthrough win.
“I have a little disconnect with my chipping,” he said of his decision at the 16th. “At least I knew I’m going to get it on the green if I use the putter and give myself a chance.”
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– AFP
Photo: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Article Link: Valimaki claims maiden PGA Tour title