Kohles Wins Again and Gains PGA Tour Spot

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Aug. 5, 2012

Omaha, Neb. – (AP) Ben Kohles won his second straight Web.com Tour title since turning professional, closing with an 9-under 62 on Sunday for a three-stroke victory in the Cox Classic.

The 22-year-old former University of Virginia player won the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational last week in a playoff in Columbus, Ohio, in his first professional start. He was the first player to win a Web.com title in his pro debut, and is the first player overall to win in his first two tour starts.

“I think I played the best round of my life today. That was a blast,” Kohles said after hitting 17 of 18 greens in regulation. “I’m pretty shocked myself. What are you supposed to do better than this?”

Kohles also wrapped up a 2013 PGA Tour card from the Web.com money list, and moved within a victory of an immediate PGA Tour promotion. He earned $117,000 to move into second place on the money list with $261,000, more than enough to finish in the final top 25 and earn a PGA Tour card.

“I don’t think that part has sunk in yet,” said Kohles, who will try to make it 3 for 3 next week in the Price Cutter Charity Championship in Springfield, Mo. “It’s pretty life-altering.”

Kohles finished at 24-under 260 at Champions Run.

South Africa’s Dawie van der Walt had a 60 to finish second. He had a chance for the second 59 in tournament history, but missed an 8-footer for eagle on No. 17 and a 6-footer for birdie on 18. Jason Gore shot a 59 in the second round in his 2005 victory.

“When I made birdie at 14, I thought I had a good chance at it coming in if I could make a few more,” he said. “I think the most nervous I was was on the 18th hole when I had that putt to shoot 59. … I just missed a few putts coming in.”