Austin Eckroat put on a show in Mexico, firing a spectacular 9-under 63 to win the World Wide Technology Championship by just one stroke.
The 25-year-old barely had time to catch his breath during a wild final round at El Cardonal, the Tiger Woods-designed course in Los Cabos.
Name
Events
Top 10
Money
Austin Eckroat
69
6
$6,357,255
He started like a man on fire. Five birdies in his first six holes.
“That’s probably some of the best golf I’ve ever played,” Eckroat said. “It was just automatic out there today. Putts were dropping everywhere.”
The former Oklahoma State star didn’t even make a par until the seventh hole. That’s how hot he was.
Justin Lower and Carson Young gave him everything they could handle, both finishing just one shot back at 23-under. Lower made things interesting with an eagle on the final hole.
“I played well,” Lower said. “I knew I needed somewhere between 5 and 9 under just to have a chance. Shot 7 and came up one short.”
It’s Eckroat’s second PGA Tour victory this year – he won the Cognizant Classic back in March. This one felt extra special though.
“It really validates my season,” said Eckroat, who’s also an ambassador for World Wide Technology. “Just a perfect way to end the year.”
The win wasn’t without drama. Eckroat made things interesting with a bogey on 18, but his clutch birdie on the 17th had given him just enough cushion.
Max Greyserman finished fourth at 22-under, while Joe Highsmith rounded out the top five at 19-under.
The victory locks up Eckroat’s spot in the top 50 of the FedExCup Fall standings – a pretty nice early Christmas present for the rising star.
