Cameron Champ birdied the 72nd hole to capture an emotional triumph Sunday at the US PGA Safeway Open, a victory the 24-year-old American dedicated to his cancer-stricken grandfather.
"If I win no more tournaments or 10 more tournaments, this will be the greatest win of my golfing career for sure," a tearful Champ said after sinking the four-foot birdie putt that gave him a one-stroke triumph.
Champ began Sunday's final round at Silverado with a three-stroke lead, saw it erased when Canada's Adam Hadwin birdied the last three holes to match him on 16-under, then responded with two strong shots and a chip to four feet at the par-5 18th before his winning putt.
"That was the first time I didn't feel nervous all day," said Champ, who didn't hit a fairway off the tee until the 12th hole.
Champ fired a final-round three-under par 69 to finish 72 holes on 17-under 271 at Napa, California -- barely an hour's drive from the Sacramento area where he grew up and learned to golf thanks in part to his grandfather Mack.
"It just means everything," Champ said while wiping away tears. "It has been tough but my dad is here. I just have so much support, family members and friends."