It was a wild Finale in Mexico City, where several players held at least a share of the lead at Chapultepec Golf Club. But in the end it was Patrick Reed who surged to victory at the WGC-Mexico Championship, overtaking Bryson DeChambeau to win his second career WGC title.
An elite field started the day chasing Justin Thomas, but heading into the closing stretch it seemed like DeChambeau was the man to defeat after he birdied eight of his first 14 holes to build a two-shot lead. As the scientist slowed, though, Reed picked up the pace with three straight birdies on Nos. 15-17 to flip the script.
It’s Reed’s eighth career Tour title and the second time that he’s won this event, having also lifted the trophy in 2014 when it was played at Doral
After starting the week dealing with lingering fallout and comments surrounding his rules infraction in December, Reed will leave Mexico with a victory that positions him favorably to represent the U.S. at both the Olympics and Ryder Cup later this year.
DeChambeau’s 65 was equal parts impressive and bittersweet. He appeared in full control of things after rolling in a 15-foot birdie on No. 14 to take a two-shot lead, but that proved to be his final birdie on the day. He couldn’t take advantage of the reachable 15th, had to scramble to save par on No. 16 and three-putted from long distance on No. 17 for what proved to be a costly bogey.
Reed was nursing a one-shot lead over DeChambeau when he surveyed a 17-foot birdie putt on the penultimate hole.
The putt found the bottom of the hole, eliciting a fist pump and equipping Reed with just the margin for error he needed on the final hole.
“The last hole was ugly, but it was what I needed just to get the job done. At the end of the day, just putting yourself in these positions on Sunday is unbelievable. It’s a great feeling.” – Reed
