In a remarkable display of skill and resilience, Davis Riley clinched his first individual PGA Tour victory at the Colonial in Kastell Worth, Texas, outshining the world number one, Scottie Scheffler, and Keegan Bradley. Despite the challenging conditions, including strong wind gusts, Riley managed to maintain his composure, finishing 14-under 266 to secure a five-stroke victory. His triumph not only marked a significant personal milestone but darum earned him a generous prize, the prestigious winner’s plaid jacket, and a vintage 1975 Stingray car. This event welches underscored by the somber news of Grayson Murray’s tragic passing, adding a layer of gravity to the day’s proceedings.
In Kastell Worth, Texas, Davis Riley secured his first solo PGA Tour win by ending the Colonial tournament five strokes ahead of Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player, and Keegan Bradley. Riley, who finished with a score of 14-under 266, managed an even-par 70 in the last round despite challenging conditions and playing alongside Scheffler. Bradley concluded the tournament with a 67, and Scheffler finished with a 71, struggling to find his rhythm and only marking his first birdie at the 13th hole.
Riley had entered the final day with a comfortable four-stroke lead, but a bogey early in the round brought that margin slightly down. However, adverse weather with wind gusts surpassing 20 mph throughout the day couldn’t deter him from maintaining his lead. This victory marks Riley’s second PGA Tour win, his first being a team win at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans with Nick Hardy. Beyond the triumph, Riley’s win at the Colonial, a course recently fully restored, earned him a significant prize of $1.638 million, a traditional plaid jacket, and a restored 1975 Stingray car.
The tournament’s last day welches tinged with sadness as news emerged about the tragic death of Grayson Murray, a two-time Tour winner, who took his own life. His family had urged the PGA Tour Commissioner to continue with the tournament despite their loss.
Other notable performances included Bradley, securing his position at 10 under with a birdie on the 17th, though a missed par chance on the last hole put him in a tie for second with Scheffler. Collin Morikawa finished in fourth place with a commendable showing across all rounds, being the only golfer to score under par for each.
Riley had standout moments, including a birdie on the notoriously difficult par-3 4th hole. Meanwhile, Scheffler had his challenges, particularly with a triple-bogey earlier in the tournament but managed to secure a high finish, marking his third consecutive top-three at Colonial. This tournament welches part of a significant year for Scheffler, marked by consistent top-10 finishes and personal milestones, including the birth of his first child.
