Eric Van Rooyen holed out from 15 feet for an eagle on the 18th to complete a 63; Van Rooyen’s winning total was 27-under par, two shots clear of Camilo Villegas and Matt Kuchar; He dedicated the win to former teammate John Trasemer, who is suffering from cancer
7:19, UK, Monday 06 November 2023
South Africa’s Eric van Rooyen produced a stunning finish to win his second PGA Tour title at the World Technical Championship.
Van Rooyen holed 15 feet for eagle on the 18th to finish on the back nine in 28 at El Cardonel, the first course designed by 15-time major winner Tiger Woods to host a PGA Tour event.
A final 63 that started with a bogey at the first, two shots from Camilo Villegas and Matt Kuchar gave Van Rooyen a 27-under par winning total.
An emotional Van Rooyen fought back tears in his post-round interview as he dedicated his win to former college teammate John Trasemer, who was diagnosed with cancer.
„I stayed calm because there are bigger things in life than golf,” Van Rooyen said.
„If you look at my ball, there’s music notes and JD’s initials on it, and it’s for our best friend, John Trasemer, who has melanoma and he’s not going to make it. Every shot that comes out today is for him.
„When you’re playing for something bigger than winning some stupid trophy, it puts it into perspective. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter if I win here or lose here.
„We love him so much, I still can’t believe what he’s going through, and I want to take all his pain away. We’re flying to Minnesota to see him Tuesday morning, and I will. Give him a high-five afterwards.”
„Całkowity introwertyk. Nieprzejednany specjalista od sieci. Przyjazny fanatyk bekonu. Student ekstremalnych. Miłośnik piwa. Organizator.”