Navigation

Michael Bradley wins Puerto Rico Open

Monday, 16 March 2009
Fergus Bisset
0 Comments

Michael Bradley

11 years after his last PGA Tour victory, America’s Michael Bradley edged out Jason Day of Australia to win the Puerto Rico Open presented by Banco Popular by a single shot.

Bradley holed a clutch birdie putt on the final green to finish on -14 and hang on for the victory over Day. At almost 43, Bradley is twice the age of 21-year-old Day.

The Australian had topped the leaderboard for most of the week, but he got off to a poor start on Sunday with a double bogey on the par-5 second. Day regrouped, however, and fought hard down the back nine. He had a chance to force a playoff but missed from seven feet on the final green.

For Bradley it was a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure. “I'm almost 43, and you don't know really how many opportunities you're going to have,” he said. “I'm not Tiger Woods. So when I do have an opportunity, come a Sunday, that maybe have a chance to win, it's probably a little more special.”

It was Bradley’s first PGA Tour start of the season, last year he played 14 events and missed eight cuts. With this win, the 42-year-old has earned a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

Day, looking for his first tour win, was philosophical in defeat. “I’m disappointed that I couldn't finish it off, but I'm very happy with myself that I actually put myself into contention.” He said.

Puerto Rico Open presented by Banco Popular
Trump International GC, Puerto Rico
March 12-15, purse $3,500,000, par 72

1   Michael Bradley (USA)   67   69   68   70   274   $630,000
T2   Jason Day (Aus)       66   68   70   71   275   $308,000
T2   Brett Quigley (USA)   68   71   69   67   275   $308,000
T4   Bart Bryant (USA)   67   68   73   68   276   $154,000
T4   Greg Chalmers (Aus)   68   70   70   68   276   $154,000
T6   J.P Hayes (USA)       71   68   71   68   278   $121,625
T6   John Merrick (USA)   70   72   70   66   278   $121,625
8   Jeff Overton (USA)   69   72   70   68   279   $108,500
T9   Joe Durant (USA)       71   72   67   70   280   $91,000
T9   Kent Jones (USA)       69   69   70   72   280   $91,000
T9   Jerry Kelly (USA)       70   68   73   69   280   $91,000
T9   D.A Points (USA)       70   68   72   70   280   $91,000

Note: Players in bold signifies Titleist ball usage only