Cameron Champ shot a 3-under par 69 to claim his first career PGA Tour victory at the Sanderson Farms Championship.
The 23-year old California native finished his fourth day at the Country Club of Jackson with two bogeys offset by six birdies, highlighted by five gains over his final six holes (Nos. 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18) to secure the win at 21-under par.
Aftwerwards, Champ cited putting as the key to his performance this weekend in Mississippi.
“I’ve been kind of been a streaky putter at times. Just trying to just slowly grow obviously other parts of my game as well, short game and putting, but mainly putting, because my ball striking has been so good,” said Champ who led the field in putting/GIR.
“I gave myself a lot of chances, and just kind of don’t feel like I capitalized on them as much as I want.
“So just to see those putts go in and the confidence it gives me throughout the rest of my game really helped this week.”
Corey Conners shot a 68 to reach 17 under, and end the day where he started – alone in second, four back of Champ.
Carlos Ortiz signed for a low-round 64 to move into a tie for third-place alongside Sam Burns (68) at 15 under.
Roberto Castro (65) and Anders Albertson (66) shot the second the third best scores of the day, respectively, to move to T5 at 14-under par.
A logjam of seven players finished tied at 13 under, including sponsor-invite D.J. Trahan (71), who – with a top 10 – received an exemption into next week’s Las Vegas stop.
With the win, Champ earned $792,000 and 300 FedExCup points to move to No. 5 in the season-long points race. Champ also picked up 24 OWGR points and will jump inside the Top 125 (from 234).
2018 Sanderson Farms Championship
Final Round: The Top 5
Pos-Player-To Par (Today)
1. Cameron Champ -21 (-4)
2. Corey Conners -17 (-4)
3. Carlos Ortiz -15 (-8)
3. Sam Burns -15 (-4)
5. Roberto Castro -14 (-7)
5. Anders Albertson -14 (-6)
Top Check Cashers
1. Cameron Champ – $792,000
2. Corey Conners – $475,200
3. Carlos Ortiz – $255,200
3. Sam Burns – $255,200
5. Roberto Castro – $167,200
5. Anders Albertson – $167,200
Champ’s Winning Stats
Driving: 334 yards (1st)
Fairways: 26/56, 46.4% (T65)
Greens: 55/72, 76.4% (T9)
Putting/GIR: 1.582/87 putts (1st)
Scores: 28 Birdies, 37 Pars, 7 Bogeys (-21)
Champ’s Final-Round Highlights
The Field: By the Numbers
Low Round: Carlos Ortiz (64)
High Round: Tim Wilkinson (76)
Top Mover: Jonathan Randolph (T58 to T35, Up 23 spots)
Big Tumble: Alex Cejka (T30 to T54, Down 24 spots)
Bogey-Free Rounds: Adam Schenk (67), Jonathan Randolph (67), Alex Prugh (69)
Credit: PGA Tour Media
