By Jay Betsill
Pat Perez fired a final round 4-under 67 for a two-stroke victory in the OHL Classic at Mayakoba. His 21-under total on the El Camaleon course in Palya Del Carmen was good enough to top third round leader Gary Woodland.
“I knew if I just stayed aggressive that with this type of grass and these type of greens that I was going to make a lot of putts,” Perez said. “I had an attitude that I can’t really repeat, but I knew I need to stay aggressive.”
This was just the third start for the 40-year old Perez since returning from shoulder surgery in February.
This was his second career PGA Tour win following the 2009 Bob Hope Classic. Perez had 182 starts between wins.
“This was definitely a different win than last time,” Perez said. “Last time, I was a little more scared coming down the stretch and didn’t really believe and this time I had a calmness and really a madness to get it done.”
For his efforts, Perez earned the $1.26 million first place prize.
Next up on the PGA Tour is The RSM Classic. Notables who are scheduled to tee it up at Sea Island Resort include Ernie Els, Zach Johnson, Webb Simpson, Matt Kuchar, Brandt Snedeker, Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh and Davis Love III.
News of note from the PGA TOUR, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans will now feature two rounds each of Foursome and Four-Ball competition after the PGA TOUR Policy Board has approved a new two-man team format. The change will be in effect for the 2017 tournament, which is scheduled for April 24-30 at TPC Louisiana in New Orleans.
World No. 1 Jason Day announced he will play with Rickie Fowler and 2015 Zurich Classic of New Orleans champion Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, the Olympic gold and silver medalists, will team up.
“I’ve loved being a part of team events throughout my amateur, collegiate and now professional career. I’m so excited that the TOUR and Zurich are making this part of our schedule and can’t wait to tee it up with Jason in April,” said Fowler, the 10th ranked golfer in the world.
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans will continue to award FedExCup points and official money, and will count as an official victory for the members of the winning team.
