Florida’s Dylan Newman Wins Event No. 3 In PGA Tournament Series

(PORT ST. LUCIE) — Jupiter, Fla.’s Dylan Newman had three birdies in a five-hole stretch December 8 and held on to win Event No. 3 of the PGA Tournament Series at PGA Golf Club.

Newman shot a 3-under 69 on the Wanamaker Course to charge from seventh place to a one-shot victory over Joe Summerhays of (73) Syracuse, Utah and Frank Bensel of Jupiter (72) at 7-under 137.

It was Newman’s third PGA Tournament Series win in nine starts and earned him $5,000. He opened last year’s PGA Tournament Series by winning the first two events.

“The conditions were tough,” Newman said. “It was windy and the greens were slicker with harder pin positions. I didn’t hit it that great. I was 1-under on the front and only hit four greens in regulation. Then I was able to make those birdies.”

Not bad for a PGA Professional who had his appendix removed eight weeks ago. Newman tied for 11th in his two starts last week.

Newman thought he lost the tournament when he three-putted the 18th hole from 30 feet for a bogey, dropping him into a tie with Summerhays and Bensel. But Summerhays and Bensel also bogeyed the difficult par-4 18th that was playing into the wind.

“I wasn’t real happy when I walked off 18,” Newman said. “But I’m happy now. I’m playing well. I’m just a click away from playing really well.

“I like these courses out here. I know where to hit it, where not to hit it. What holes to take advantage of, where to play safe.”

Summerhays led after an opening 65 with five birdies and an eagle on the 13th. Bensel moved into contention Monday with a 66, thanks to consecutive eagles on the 15th and 16th holes.

But birdies were hard to come by Tuesday on the back nine due to the windy, cold conditions. Summerhays and Bensel each shot 39.

Brady Sharp (70-140) of College Place, Wash., Jake Scott of Strongsville, Ohio (71-140) and Greg Sonnier (72-140) of Lake Charles, La., tied for fourth.

Omar Uresti (72-142), who won the first two events, tied for 12th.

The PGA Tournament Series is presented by GolfAdvisor.com.

By Craig Dolch, Special to PGA of America