Gomez wins first PGA title at St. Jude Classic
• Fabian Gomez held his native flag close while celebrating his first career PGA Tour title at the St. Jude Classic. A win to remember is even more special now he’s the fifth champion from Argentina, joining mentor Jose Coceres, Angel Cabrera, Andres Romero and Roberto De Vicenzo.
“That list for me is an honour, and we share many, many weeks with Andres, Angel,” Gomez said Sunday through a translator.
“When they play on the tour the same week with me, we share some barbecue. We had one last night, and I know that they are going to be happy for this situation right now.”
Gomez, 36, started Sunday tied with Owen atop the leaderboard at 9 under with 23 players within four strokes.
Gomez finished off a four-stroke win that was the largest at this event since 2009 with a 13-under 267 total after shooting 4-under 66 in the final round.
He carded a five birdie-one bogey round for his first PGA title in his 70th start in a season already featuring three top 25s.
Taking home the winner’s check of $1.08 million is a nice turnaround for Gomez who had to earn back his tour card through the Web.com Tour last year.
When he rolled in a 30-footer for birdie on No. 18 for the final margin, Gomez celebrated by holding up his putter and pumping his right fist.
“Even if I won many tournaments, winning here on the PGA Tour is something amazing, and I’m going to enjoy the moment with my family,” Gomez said with the crystal trophy close at hand.
Phil Mickelson remains winless since the 2013 as he tied for third (65272).
He finished with a flourish, rolling in a 25-footer for birdie that nearly lipped out on No. 18. Mickelson finished tied with Seung-Yul Noh (65), Michael Thompson (66), Matt Jones (68) and Brooks Kopeka (70).
Mickelson used this event at TPC Southwind, sponsored by FedEx, to tune up his game for the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay in Washington. He carded eight birdies Sunday with three bogeys and says he got the confidence boost he wanted.
“I’m feeling a lot better about heading into the U.S. Open after this week than I did after last,” Mickelson said.