In a scintillating display of golfing prowess, Austin Eckroat emerged victorious at the World Wide Technology Championship in Los Cabos, Mexico, clinching his second PGA Tour title of the year. The 25-year-old former Oklahoma State standout fired an impressive 9-under 63 in the final round, edging out Justin Lower and Carson Young by a single stroke to secure the win.
A Thrilling Finish at El Cardonal
Playing one group ahead of his closest competitors, Eckroat seized the lead with a crucial birdie on the par-4 17th hole, giving him a three-stroke cushion over Young. Despite a bogey on the final hole, Eckroat’s stellar play throughout the tournament proved enough to fend off the charging pack.
I think it kind of validates the season that I had, just a great way to cap off and end the year. It was really special to do it at an event where the title sponsor, I’m an ambassador of their company. A cool week.
Austin Eckroat, reflecting on his victory
Young, needing an eagle on the par-5 18th to force a playoff, could only manage a birdie, settling for a share of second place with Lower. “I hit a bunch of good iron shots, especially on the back nine,” Young remarked after his round of 65. “I shot 7 under, so I played good, I can’t be too mad about it.”
Eckroat’s Sensational Sunday Charge
Eckroat’s final round was a masterclass in precision and consistency. He opened with a flurry of birdies, making five in his first six holes, with a lone bogey on the par-3 third. Another birdie on the eighth saw him make the turn in 5-under 31.
The back nine proved equally fruitful for the young American, as he rattled off four more birdies in his first five holes. “That’s probably some of the best golf I’ve ever played, just from the start putts were going in,” Eckroat marveled. “I don’t know, it was automatic out there today, I guess, is how you could call it.”
Securing a Spot in the FedExCup Playoffs
With this victory, Eckroat has virtually guaranteed himself a place in the top 50 of the FedExCup Fall standings, setting the stage for a strong showing in the upcoming playoffs. His maiden PGA Tour win came earlier this year at the Cognizant Classic at PGA National in March.
As the golfing world turns its attention to the final stretch of the 2024 season, Austin Eckroat’s star continues to rise. With two victories under his belt and a game that seems to be peaking at just the right time, he will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the coming weeks and beyond.
