Venezuelan golfer Jhonattan Vegas clinched his first PGA Tour victory in seven years by winning the 3M Open on Sunday. The win marks a significant milestone in Vegas’s career, as he successfully held off competitors Max Greyserman, Maverick McNealy, and Matt Kuchar to claim the title.
Vegas’s performance throughout the tournament was commendable, finishing 17-under par, one stroke ahead of Greyserman, and two strokes better than McNealy and Kuchar. Reflecting on his victory, Vegas expressed his elation, stating, “We’re just trying to have a great week, and obviously a great week turned into a win. I’m out of my head right now, so it’s incredible.”
In addition to the title, Vegas earned a substantial payday of $1.458 million, slightly more than the previous year’s winner, Lee Hodges, who took home $1.404 million.
Overcoming Challenges and Injuries
Vegas’s journey back to the top has been fraught with challenges, including multiple shoulder surgeries that caused him to miss the 2023 campaign. His perseverance and determination to rebuild his game have paid off, culminating in his fourth career PGA Tour victory.
Reflecting on his path to recovery, Vegas shared, “It hasn’t been easy, that’s for sure. Winning out here, we all know how hard it is, so every win is special. Coming back from two surgeries, it was a very hard day for me today. Didn’t feel 100 percent. It took a lot. It really makes the win super special.”
This victory also secures Vegas a place on the PGA Tour through the 2026 season, a significant achievement for the world number 321 who had been playing on a medical exemption.
The Final Round: A Display of Grit and Determination
The final round at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, saw Vegas demonstrating his resilience and skill. With a one-under par 70, he managed to fend off a strong challenge from US rookie Max Greyserman, who finished second with a season-low 63, and tied for third by Matt Kuchar and Maverick McNealy.
Greyserman, who birdied six of the last nine holes, briefly took the lead, only to be surpassed by Vegas’s steady play. Reflecting on his close finish, Greyserman said, “I played well. Unfortunately, I was a little too far behind. Hopefully, I’ll have more chances in the future.”
Kuchar, seeking to end his own win drought since the 2019 Sony Open in Hawaii, also put up a commendable fight but fell short in the end.
A Triumphant Return for Venezuela’s Golfing Pioneer
Jhonattan Vegas holds the distinction of being the only golfer from Venezuela to earn a PGA Tour card and represent his country in prestigious events like the Presidents Cup and the Olympics. His victory at the 3M Open adds to his illustrious career, which includes wins at the 2011 Bob Hope Classic and back-to-back RBC Canadian Open titles in 2016 and 2017.
The win at the 3M Open is particularly meaningful for Vegas, who had finished runner-up at the same event in 2021. He expressed his fondness for the TPC Twin Cities course, saying, “This is a special place for me. It’s a course that I really connected extremely well three years ago when I came in second here so I knew it was a golf course that I had a great chance of playing well.”
Vegas’s story is one of overcoming adversity and demonstrating unwavering commitment to his sport. His victory serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the rewards of persistence and hard work.