Kenny Perry shot a final-round 69 at TPC Twin Cities to capture his third 3M Championship title.
Perry finished his final round in Blaine, Minnesota with two bogeys offset by five birdies, including three during a bogey-free final nine holes to clinch a three-shot win at 21-under par.
“I was very nervous today. You all witnessed — it’s hard to go out with a five-shot lead, to be the hunted instead of being the hunter,” said Perry. “It felt kind of odd out there. I didn’t want to give it away. I didn’t want to play too aggressive, I didn’t want to play too safe.
“So I was kind of in that area where I knew this golf course gives up low scores. I knew if I played too safe, somebody’s going to catch me.
“It was a bad spot to be, actually, but I got to be thankful for my birdie-birdie-eagle finish. That won me the tournament on Friday — I mean Saturday.”
Wes Short Jr. posted the day’s low round of 63 to claim second-place with a 18-under par score, three clear of Glen Day (70) and Tom Gillis (67) who tied for third at 15-under par.
The win was Perry’s 10th of his Champions Tour career, and earned the 57-year old $262,500. He will move from 27th to 19th in the Schwab Cup standings.
While he will not be able to defend his title, Perry will reportedly use his top-50 earnings exemption on the PGA Tour money list to compete in next year’s inaugural 3M Open.
FINAL TOP 5
POS-PLAYER-TO PAR (TODAY)
1. Kenny Perry -21 (-3)
2. Wes Short Jr. -18 (-9)
3. Glen Day -15 (-2)
3. Tom Gillis -15 (-5)
5. Kevin Sutherland -13 (-6)
5. Bob Estes -13 (-6)
5. Joe Durant -13 (-5)
5. Tim Petrovic -13 (-4)
5. Lee Janzen -13 (-3)
EXIT QUESTION FOR PERRY
What’s it mean to have your name next to Hale Irwin as a three-time winner of this event?
KENNY PERRY: Honored, you know, incredible. That’s one of the greatest players of all time, Hall of Famer. Forty something wins on the Champions Tour. One of the best ever to play out here.
I love talking to him. I wish he’d play out here more. He’s kind of semi retired now. So, honored.
