St. John's University Athletics
Keegan Bradley Wins PGA Grand Slam Of Golf
10/19/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Oct. 19, 2011
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QUEENS, N.Y. (Oct. 20, 2011)-- Red Storm alumnus and PGA Champion Keegan Bradley claimed the 2011 PGA Grand Slam of Golf title on Wednesday, shooting an even-par 71 in the final round. Fighting through windy conditions at Port Royal Golf Course (Southampton, Bermuda), Bradley claimed the title in the PGA Tour's version of an all-star game.
Bradley shared the course with the other major champions from 2011: Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel, U.S. Open Champion Rory McIlroy, and British Open Champion Darren Clarke. Bradley, who has been celebrated for his putting skill since winning his first career major, found himself draining another clutch putt on the 18th green for a one stroke win over Schwartzel.
The St. John's great entered the day tied with McIlroy at -4 for the lead, with Schwartzel seven strokes off the pace, and Clarke a full ten shots back. However, brutal seaside winds proved to be a great equalizer as Bradley found himself with a few early bogeys, McIlroy began to fall off the pace, and Schwartzel rattled off five-straight birdies from holes five through nine, leaving him tied with Bradley at two-under heading to the back nine.
After the turn, Bradley seized control of the tournament, birdieing the 10th hole, giving him a one-stroke lead that he would never relinquish. Drama filled the back nine as Schwartzel stayed one stroke back for the final nine, and after both men birdied the 17th hole, it all came down to the final hole. Schwartzel reached the green in two with a 30-foot birdie putt left to send the match into a playoff, but his bid to extend the event went begging as Bradley knocked in a five-footer for par and the win.
Bradley, who recently re-signed his contract with Cleveland Golf took home the $600,000 prize for first place, as well as another reason to be mentioned in the PGA Tour Player of the Year discussions. With his wins at the HP Byron Nelson Classic and the PGA Championship, Bradley is the only player on tour with multiple wins in 2011 that also has a major title this year.
Bradley also becomes the first alternate for next year's Grand Slam event should he not take home a second major title in 2012. Under new rules, the defending champion of the event will be the first one selected to complete the four-man field if a major champion is unable to compete, or if an individual wins multiple majors in the same year.
For all the latest news as Bradley continues through the fall on the PGA Tour, log on to RedStormSports.com and follow the St. John's men's golf team (@STJ_MensGolf) on Twitter.
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