On Sunday in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Michael Gellerman had a 30-foot birdie putt for a chance to win the Korn Ferry Tour’s Lecom Suncoast Classic.
Gellerman tied for sixth place after four putts.
When Gellerman’s birdie putt slid 8 feet beyond the hole, he was tied with clubhouse leader Ben An at 17 under. His par save, which would have forced a playoff, also fell short, as did a tap-in bogey that lipped out hard.
Gellerman’s mistake gave An the victory outright, leaving the 29-year-old Oklahoma native two shots behind and having given up important points. While both golfers lost their PGA Tour cards following last season, An, who is fifth in the standings, is in a stronger position to return to the major league.
“I got close on the PGA Tour a couple of times, and people still wonder why I’m here.” An remarked. “I didn’t have a terrific year, but I think having a win early in the season helps a lot.” My objective isn’t simply to earn my card; my entire team โ my coach, manager, and wife โ all believe in me, and I believe I’m capable of much more.”
Gellerman, who has two top-six results, is still in the top 25, although in 16th place.
- +1200: Sungjae Im
- +1600: Daniel Berger
- +1800: Joaquin Niemann, Louis Oosthuizen, Tommy Fleetwood
- +2000: Brooks Koepka
- +2200: Billy Horschel, Shane Lowry
- +3300: Alex Noren, Keith Mitchell
- +4000: Brian Harman, Matt Jones, Matt Wolff
- +5000: Cameron Young, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Jhonattan Vegas, Mackenzie Hughes, Mito Pereira, Patrick Reed, Russell Knox, Taylor Moore