Trey Mullinax birdied the final hole at Keene Trace Golf Club to win the Barbasol Championship by a single stroke securing exemptions on both the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, which co-sanctioned the event, as well as the final qualifying spot for this week’s Open Championship at St Andrews.
The 30-year-old American, who started the final round three strokes behind 54-hole leader Matti Schmid, battled with playing partner Kevin Streelman down the stretch as the pair exchanged blows in Kentucky.
They were neck-and-neck on 24 under par standing on the 18th tee and both found the green with their second shots, Streelman just inside Mullinax’s approach. Putting first, Mullinax holed his effort from 15 feet for a final round 66 and a 25 under par total, leaving his compatriot with a birdie putt to force a sudden death play-off. From 11 feet, Streelman pushed his putt wide, handing Mullinax his first PGA Tour victory on his 106th start.
With his victory, Mullinax also secured the final place at The 150th Open at St Andrews as part of The Open Qualifying Series.
Mark Hubbard carded a closing 65 to finish third, while Germany’s Hurly Long was the best-placed DP World Tour member one stroke back in fourth place after following third round 63 with a final round 71 in the rain-effected event.
Mullinax said: “It was a long day today, it was a grind. But I knew I had to just keep at it, keep firing and at the end of the day I walked away with the low score. When I got to 18, I knew it was basically a match play situation with Kevin. I hit a great drive on 18 to set me up for a great second shot. When it landed on the green I saw it rolling, and I knew I was going to have an uphill putt, which is huge. Thankfully I was able to make it.”
Speaking about his late call up for the season’s final major, he added: “It’s a dream come true and an incredible honour to be able to go to St Andrews on the 150th anniversary of the Open Championship and be able to play. I’ve got a lot of logistics to take care of, but man, I’m super excited and ready to go over there and try to figure out that golf course.”
Trey Mullinax WITB
Driver: Ping G425 LST (9°)
Fairway wood: Titleist TSR 3 (15°)
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (2), Ping S55 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM9 (48°, 52°, 56°, 60°)
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG Rossie
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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