DeChambeau claims four-stroke victory
new jersey — Bryson DeChambeau cruised to a four-stroke victory at the Northern Trust in the first round of the FedEx Cup playoffs in New Jersey on Sunday.
After seeing his lead shrink to two shots with a bogey at the ninth hole, DeChambeau responded with consecutive birdies on the back nine en route to a closing two-under 69 to finish at 18-under 266 for the tournament.
Tony Finau, who could join DeChambeau in the mix for a U.S. Ryder Cup spot, finished second with a three-under 68 to go 14-under and Australian Cameron Smith (69) and Billy Horschel (68) shared third a stroke back at Ridgewood Country Club.
The win, the third of DeChambeau’s career, moved the 24-year-old past world number one Dustin Johnson in the FedEx Cup standings.
“To be able to hold the lead, and to keep the lead for the whole time — I was getting a little close and a little tight there mid-round — and to be able to push forward there and make a couple of putts, was great,” DeChambeau told CBS Sports.
“Now I’m looking for consistency. If I can keep playing the way I am, I think I can do some great things.”
One would be playing in the Ryder Cup scheduled for Sept. 28-30 in France.
DeChambeau finished just outside one of the eight automatic spots for the U.S. team but has a good chance to be one of captain Jim Furyk’s final picks.
“Whatever happens, happens,” DeChambeau said. “I’m going to go try to play my best next week and see what happens after that.” —