canadian open final standings
-17 B. Corey (USA); -15 M. Fitzpatrick (English); -14 V Hovland (Noll)
Other selections: -13 J Stanger (USA), B Garnett (USA), J Svensson (Sweden), J Suber (USA). -11 T Fleetwood (English); -10 R. McIntyre (Scotland); -9 Fitzpatrick (English)
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Bud Corey won the Canadian Open, earning his first PGA Tour title and making a remarkable comeback eight years after a car accident derailed his career.
The 36-year-old American shot a 5-under 65 in the final round in Caledon, Ont., and chipped in for birdie on the 12th hole to take the lead and finish at 17-under 263.
This was Corey’s 239th tournament on tour, and the victory was a reward for his persistence in coming back from a serious injury.
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick took second place, two strokes behind, and Norway’s Viktor Hovland took third place with 14 under par.
In June 2018, Cory was a passenger in a car when he suffered severe injuries that left him with six broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a broken left leg.
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Although he returned four months later, he suffered complications in 2020 that will keep him out of the Pro Tour until 2024.
“There were times when I got hurt and really didn’t know if I was going to be able to play again,” Corey said.
“A lot of people have helped me get to this point. I told myself that when I get the chance to start playing again, I’m going to do everything the right way and give myself the best chance.”
Corey added: “I put my wife Christy through a lot of trouble during those dark times. It’s nice to have some success as a way of expressing my gratitude.”
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He started the day with a one-stroke lead over leader Jackson Suber, but took control in the back nine, made four birdies in five holes, and headed into the 16th hole with a three-stroke lead.
Fitzpatrick shot a 64 in the fourth round to move up 10 spots on the leaderboard to second place, but a bogey on the 17th hole ended his hopes of winning the title.
“It’s been a good week,” Fitzpatrick said. “I wish I had received it earlier in the week. I think there were a lot of good ones.
“I struggled a little bit with my putting last week, but I feel like my process of what I’m working on this week is a little bit better, and it showed. My putting was really solid.”
