Adam Hammes made a remarkable comeback in the third round of the MPO and set a new course record, securing a one-stroke lead heading into the final day of Portland Open.
Sunday's final round featured a thrilling three-way battle among Hammes, Aaron Gossage, and Corey Ellis. The leaderboard underwent constant changes throughout the day.
Hammes maintained his one-stroke lead until the 17th hole, where a two-stroke swing propelled Gossage into the top spot. On the 18th hole, Hammes took an aggressive approach with his second shot on the par 5 but unfortunately went out of bounds in circle 2. However, he managed to sink an impressive 66-foot putt for a birdie. Gossage navigated the fairway but fell short with his upshot. His attempt to make a putt from circle 1 to the elevated basket was too low, resulting in a tie and forcing a playoff.
Once again, Hammes showcased ice in his veins making a edge of C1 birdie putt that secured him his third Elite Series victory.
Hammes spoke to Terry Miller after and said: ”It's been almost two years since my last win(…). “The game can be unpredictable. You experience ups and downs, and sometimes those downs last a while, but now I'm back on top. I've missed this feeling."
Corey Ellis finished in third place, just one stroke behind Hammes and Gossage, Ellis has been knocking on the door plenty of times but still searching for his first big win.
Isaac Robinson made a strong surge with a 10-under round (finished 4th), while James Proctor and Alden Harris tied for fifth place.