Silvis, ILL—Admittedly, former CGT alum Sean O’Hair was lost with his gameon Wednesday night. By Sunday afternoon, after an epiphany during a visit to a local bookstore, he found it and his first PGA Tour victory at the John
Deere Classic.

Nearly two months ago, O’Hair held the third round lead of the EDS Bryon Nelson Campionship, then shot a final round 68 only to watch Ted Purdy leapfrog over him with a closing 65. This time, it was O’Hair who did the
leapfrogging, as he carded a bogey-free, 6-under 65 for a one-stroke victory over Robert Damron and Hank Kuehne.

The precocious O’Hair, who turns 23 Monday, displayed the type of poise and sage his more experienced challengers lacked down the stretch. In need of a birdie on the par 5 17th, O’Hair blasted his 3rd shot from a greenside bunker to two feet then made the putt to reach 16-under.

After his tee shot found the right rough on the par 4 18th, O’Hair’s second shot from 126 yards ricocheted off a limb, narrowly avoiding the greenside lake. From an awkward side hill lie, O’Hair pitched to nine feet than calmly
sank his par putt, pumping his right fist twice.

With the win, O’Hair earned $720,000, raising his season earnings to $1,733,830. He also climbs into the top 20 on the money list and stands a realistic chance of making the Tour Championship, reserved for the top 30 money winners. This performance, though, was worth far more than financial gain.

As the highest finisher not already exempt for the British Open, O’Hair must now decide whether or not he wants to fly across the pond and tee it up next week at St. Andrews, a decision he wasn’t ready to make during his post
round interview.

Entering the week ranked 96th in the world, O’Hair’s victory could vault him into the top 50, which would make him eligible for many, if not every, prestigious event, including the four majors and the world golf championship
events.

O’Hair’s second place showing in May all but assured his card for next season. This victory, however, grants him a two-year exemption on Tour.

Above all, this victory ensures O’Hair will have the opportunity to begin his season one week earlier next year, at the winners only, Mercedes Championships in Hawaii.

Not bad for someone who lugged around his own clubs on the Cleveland Golf
Tour last season.