TEARS FOR FAMILY
CAMERON CA Champ broke down in tears when it was over. Playing while his grandfather fights cancer in nearby Sacramento, the 24-year-old Champ won the Safeway Open yesterday for his second PGA Tour title.
He made a 4-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th for a one-stroke victory over Adam Hadwin at Silverado Resort.
Australia’s Marc Leishman rocketed home to finish outright third. He made eight birdies in a seven-under 65 round to set the clubhouse lead at 14 under par.
Hours later a triumphant and relieved Champ raised both arms on the final green then shared a long embrace with his caddie before breaking into tears as he hugged his father, Jeff.
Champ’s grandfather Mack — who introduced him to golf at a young age — is battling stomach cancer and is in hospice care. “For me to do something like this, for me to win, and for him to be able to witness and watch on TV, I know he was probably amped up,” Champ said.
“For him to be able to see me make that putt on 18 on the 72nd hole, that will go down as the greatest moment ever in my career.”
Champ’s second victory in 33 events didn’t come without its moments, especially down the stretch. Three strokes ahead entering the round, Champ had five birdies and overcame a bogey on No.17 to hold off Hadwin. Champ closed with a 3-under 69 to finish at 17-under 271.
Afterwards, Champ was handed a cell phone by his father. On the other end was his grandfather.
Hadwin birdied the final three holes for a 67 to tie Champ at 16 under, then watched from nearby as the tour’s longest driver made a short birdie putt for the win.
Australian journeyman Cameron Percy gave his career a great boost in his latest return to the PGA Tour, finishing tied seventh at 12 under after a closing 67.
First-round co-leader Adam Scott rounded out his week with 68 for a share of 17th while fellow Australians Aaron Baddeley (71) and Rhein Gibson (73) finished in a tie for 33rd.