Hadwin Escapes Snake Pit, Wins First Tour Event

Nobody ever said winning on the PGA Tour is easy. Adam Hadwin found that out as he overcame adversity down the stretch on Sunday to claim his first PGA Tour victory at the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Hadwin was cruising right along, holding a three-shot lead on the 10th hole when he had a great opportunity to make birdie. Instead of the result his perfectly-judged iron shot deserved, Hadwin’s ball ricocheted 30 feet away from the pin and he had to settle for a par. As it turned out, every shot down the stretch counted, especially with the final three holes looming.

Entering the famed “Snake Pit” working with a two-stroke lead, the 29 year-old Canadian lost his tee shot on the 16th hole wayward to the right finding the water, leading to a double bogey six.

The costly error dropped him back in a tie for the lead with Patrick Cantlay, who was making a Sunday charge of his own. Hadwin steadied the ship closing with two pars, including a nifty bellied wedge save on 18 for the win, while Cantlay failed to get it up and down out of the sand to tie.

Hadwin has been red-hot ever since missing the cut at season-opening Safeway Open, playing the weekend in nine consecutive events, including a runner-up finish at the Career Builder Challange where he shot a magical 59 on moving day. With the win, Hadwin not only earned the biggest check of his career, but he booked himself a trip to the Masters, which ironically is the week his honeymoon was supposed to be. 

24 year-old Patrick Cantlay, finished solo second after an emotional return to competitive golf playing in just his second event in 28 months since coming back from injury. The effort earned him enough money to secure his PGA Tour card for the rest of this year. Tied for third place was Jim Herman and Dominic Bozzelli. Tony Finau finished fifth after firing the round of the day with a seven-under 64, bettering the field by 3 shots.

Here’s a look at the final round highlights and results:

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