Jacob Bridgeman has secured his second PGA Tour victory of the season, racing to a two-shot triumph at the Biltmore Championship. The win arrives as a significant boost for Team USA ahead of this week’s Presidents Cup, where Bridgeman has been selected by captain Brandt Snedeker.
Competing on home soil at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in Asheville, North Carolina, the world No 29 produced a remarkable final-round comeback. Trailing by five shots overnight, Bridgeman carded a bogey-free 61, featuring an eagle and eight birdies to finish at 26 under par.
His compatriot Ben James matched the round of 61 but could not catch the leader. Bridgeman’s surge included three birdies in his opening four holes and a crucial eagle on the par-five eighth. Although he needed to birdie three of his final three holes to break 60, a birdie on the 17th and a par on the closing hole were sufficient to seal the victory.
“It’s a dream come true,” Bridgeman said regarding his debut for the United States. “There is so much individualness in this sport, but to be able to play as a team and represent the United States is just amazing. Everybody is pumped. It’s getting really real. We’re all getting super excited.”
Overnight leader Neal Shipley finished three shots back in a tie for third alongside Ricky Castillo. American JT Poston also had a standout round, carding a 60 to move into a share of fifth place alongside Jackson Koivun, who is also set to compete in the Presidents Cup. Poston two-putted from 25 feet on the final hole to save par.
Internationally, Ireland’s Seamus Power finished six strokes behind the winner in a tie for seventh, while England’s Marco Penge took a share of 10th after a 67. The Biltmore Championship victory adds another highlight to Bridgeman’s year as he prepares to face the International Team at Medinah.
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