Canada’s Steven Ames made a birdie on the 18th hole to come from seven strokes behind to win and claim his second consecutive title at the Boeing Classic in Snoqualmie, Washington, on Sunday.
Ames began the day well behind Sweden’s Robert Karlsson, but Karlsson made five bogeys in his first nine holes, giving the rest of the field an opening.
Ames shot a 5-under 67 for the second straight day to finish the tournament at 11-under 205 and win by one stroke.
“I think starting seventh, my next goal was to get into the top five,” Ames said. “Obviously, the guys I was playing with today, Ernie (Els) and Steven Alker, are big names who won on Tour this year and last year.
“I thought it would be a good fight. After all, it was my group that I was up against.”
Ames and Els, of South Africa, tee off tied for the lead, one stroke ahead of fellow player Alker of New Zealand, on the par-5 18th hole at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge. Ames reached the green in two strokes, but Els hit his third shot precariously short of the hole, with Alker landing in a greenside bunker.
Ames delayed his eagle putt from just short of the green until it was about five feet from the cup. Alker got back with a birdie, and after Els missed one, Ames sank another for his fourth birdie in the final seven holes.
The 60-year-old Ames won the Boeing Classic last year by seven strokes. It was his third win of the season and his ninth career PGA Tour Champions victory.
Carlson birdied the final two holes to rally for a 75 and move into a tie for second at 10 under with Els and Alker, who finished with 68.
“It was a tough finish (Saturday) but I fought through it and hung in there,” Alker said. “Obviously I needed some help from the leaders early on in the first day, but I did manage to get there. I looked at the leaderboard after nine holes and I was only two places behind, so I was kind of surprised.”
“Yeah, it was a great match. I had a lot of fun and I really enjoyed the back nine.”
South Korea’s Charlie Wi (75 on Sunday) and Kirk Triplett (71) are tied for fifth at eight under. Paul Stankowski shot a 69 to move into sole seventh place at seven under.
–Field Level Media
