The Columbus Dispatch

Wolff finishes with eagle to win 3M Open

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BLAINE, Minn. — Six weeks after winning the NCAA individual title with Oklahoma State, Matthew Wolff wrapped up just his third tournament as a profession­al.

He took home a trophy and a PGA Tour card.

Even if the 20-year-old was playing the 3M Open on a sponsor exemption in a field with far more accomplish­ed players, Wolff’s time as an amateur provided plenty of experience to sharpen both his competitiv­eness and confidence. That sure showed on the 18th green.

“I was born for moments like these,” Wolff said. “I live for moments like these.”

Wolff made a 26-foot putt from the fringe for an eagle on the final hole to finish at 21 under par on Sunday, beating Collin Morikawa and Bryson Dechambeau by one stroke in a tense finish to the first-time PGA Tour event.

“I completed everything I wanted to in college and now I’ve done something that very few people could say they’ve done, and it makes me really happy,” said Wolff, who became the first player since Jordan Spieth in 2013 to win a PGA Tour event before his 21st birthday.

Wolff struck his second shot on the 573-yard, par-5 hole from the fairway to the far left of the green, where it landed just a few feet away from a bunker. He proceeded to sink the dramatic putt in front of a packed 18th gallery at the TPC Twin Cities.

“I’m usually not an emotional guy at all, but tears definitely came to my eyes when I stepped off and picked that ball up out of the hole,” Wolff said.

Morikawa had the opportunit­y to forge a tie, but he just missed his eagle attempt from 22 feet away in the middle of the green. When the ball rolled on the left edge and about 3 feet too long, Morikawa winced.

“I hit a really good putt. I thought it was good from the start and once it got about halfway I knew it was a little low. What can you do?” said the 22-year-old Morikawa, who also turned pro this summer. His putt for birdie on the 17th horseshoed out.

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