J.B. Holmes completes long road back to top

Tuesday, 6 May 2014 00:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CHARLOTTE North Carolina - Nearly three years after undergoing brain surgery, J.B. Holmes completed the long journey back to the top when he won the $6.9 million Wells Fargo Championship on Sunday. Holmes broke clear with three birdies in four holes around the turn, before limping home with two late bogeys to clinch a one-stroke victory over fellow American Jim Furyk at Quail Hollow. “This is a big win for me. It’s been a long road,” an emotional Holmes told reporters after sinking a three-foot bogey putt at the last to shoot 71 and finish at 14-under-par 274. Furyk fired a 65 for second place, while Martin Flores (72) bogeyed the last to finish two strokes behind. Five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, who surged into contention with a third round 63, was not a factor with a 76 to tie for 11th. Holmes collected $1.242 million for his third PGA Tour victory. His two previous wins came in the Arizona desert at the Phoenix Open, in 2006 and 2008. “Since then I’ve had two brain surgeries, broke my ankle, had arm surgery, the list goes on,” said Holmes, 32, who displayed a prized mix of raw power and a deft short game. “I’ve had some ups and downs. To win at a venue like this, with such a good field, I’m ecstatic.”