Canada’s Stephen Ames birdied the 18th gap to finish a seven-shot comeback and defend his title on the Boeing Traditional in Snoqualmie, Wash., on Sunday.
Ames began the day nicely behind Sweden’s Robert Carlson, however Carlson’s 5 bogeys on the entrance 9 opened the door for everybody behind him.
Ames shot a 5-under 67 for the second consecutive day to win by one shot at 11-under 205.
“At that stage, whenever you’re seven down and also you’re leaving, I assumed the subsequent objective is perhaps to attempt to get into the highest 5,” Ames stated. “Clearly, the corporate I am with right this moment is Ernie (Els) ) and Steven Alker, who’re clearly notable winners on this 12 months’s and final 12 months’s excursions.
“I believe it will be a very good battle. Finally our opponent is my workforce.”
Ames and Els of South Africa teed off the par-5 18th gap at Snoqualmie Ridge Membership and have been tied for the lead, one shot forward of their different associate, Alke of New Zealand. Ames hit the inexperienced in two pictures, Els’ third shot barely missed the outlet, and Alke discovered a bunker beside the inexperienced.
Ames’ eagle putt fell again from the entrance of the inexperienced to about 5 ft from the cup. After Alker recovered for a birdie and Els missed his birdie try, Ames had the lead birdie, his fourth prior to now seven holes.
Ames, 60, gained the Boeing Traditional by seven strokes final 12 months. It was his third victory of the season and ninth of his PGA Tour profitable profession.
Carlson birdied the ultimate two holes for a 75 and tied for second at 10 underneath with Els and Alke, who every shot 68.
“I had a tricky sport (Saturday), however I obtained over it and labored exhausting,” Alke stated. “Clearly we would have liked some assist from the leaders in the beginning of the match and we obtained that. Once we obtained via 9 holes, I used to be a little bit shocked and we appeared on the leaderboard and noticed we have been solely two holes behind.
“Yeah, it was only a nice battle. It was enjoyable and I actually loved the again 9.”
South Korea’s Charlie Wie (75 on Sunday) and Kirk Triplett (71) have been tied for fifth at 8 underneath. Paul Stankovsky shot 69 to complete seventh at 7 underneath.
–Scene-level media