Jeff Smithstrong>Martin Trainer closed with a 5-under 67 at windy Coco Beach Golf and Country Club to claim a three-stroke victory at the Puerto Rico Open.
The 27-year old PGA Tour rookie, who was making just his 11th start on the big tour, finished his final round with two bogeys against seven birdies, including three gains on a clean back-nine to reach 15-under par.
“It’s obviously incredible. I never thought that I would be able to win on the PGA Tour,” said Trainer, a USC product. “I managed do it today and that’s just incredible.”
For his maiden title, Trainer earned $540,000 and 300 FedExCup points, along with 24 Official World Golf Rankings points.
“I never had the luxury of making a plan, I was just trying to play as many events as I could,” said Trainer, who will move to No. 128 in the world rankings (from 285th).
“So now I guess that will be a little different, I’ll be able to pick and choose where I want to go and have a little more flexibility with my schedule.
“It’s just such a great feeling to be able to have that. I’m just trying to let it sink in.”
Aaron Baddeley, the 54-hole leader, shot a final-day 72 to tie for second on 12 under, alongside Daniel Berger (66), Roger Sloan (67) and Johnson Wagner (69).
Joel Cook
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