Adam Long started his final round at the Stadium Course down three strokes to Phil Mickelson, but on Sunday evening he found himself in the winner’s circle holding his first PGA Tour trophy after a one-shot victory at the Desert Classic.
The 31-year old Duke product finished his final day at PGA West with a seven-birdie 65, highlighted by a final-hole gain to reach 26-under par and edge Mickelson and Adam Hadwin by a shot.
It was the journeyman’s first-ever win on the PGA Tour. It earned him $1,062,000 and 500 FedExCup points which moved him into 13th-place in the points standings. He also received 42 OWGR points, and will jump nearly 300 spots, from 417 to 133, in the Official World Golf Rankings.
Runners-up Mickelson and Hadwin, meanwhile, were awarded checks for $519,200 and 245 FedEx points, along with 21 OWGR points. Mickelson moved from 34th to 26th in the world rankings, while Hadwin moved from 70th to 57th.
FINAL SCORES, MONEY & POINTS: DESERT CLASSIC
PGA West | La Quinta, CA | January 20, 2019
