Gomez wins first PGA Tour title

memphis — Winning the first PGA Tour title of his career at the St. Jude Classic isn’t enough to earn Fabian Gomez a trip to the US Open at Chambers Bay. Being fully exempt through the 2016-17 season is more than enough.

Gomez knows personally how tough it can be to keep that tour card. He was on tour in 2011 and 2013 before having to earn his card back for 2014-15 by playing on the Web.com Tour. Now the 36-year-old from Argentina has some breathing room now that he turned his piece of the lead after the third round into a four-stroke win that was the biggest at this event, sponsored by FedEx, since Brian Gay won by five in 2009.

“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 through a translator.

Gomez finished at 13-under 267 with four straight rounds in the 60s, including a 4-under 66 Sunday. He came into the final round sharing the 54-hole lead with Greg Owen of England, the second such lead of his career. Unlike the 2013 Puerto Rico Open where he finished tied with Jordan Spieth for second, Gomez carded a five birdie-one bogey round for his first PGA title in his 70th start.

That earned him a $1.08 million winner’s check and a spot as the fifth PGA Tour winner from Argentina, joining Jose Coceres, Angel Cabrera, Andres Romero and Roberto De Vicenzo. —