South African-born American Aaron Wise clinched his first PGA Tour title in only his 26th start after claiming an emphatic three-shot win at the AT&T Byron Nelson in Texas.
Two weeks after finishing second behind Jason Day at the Wells Fargo Championship, the 21-year-old went one better when carding a closing six-under 65 at Trinity Forest in Dallas.
Wise fired earlier rounds of 65, 63 and 68 to start the final round tied with Marc Leishman, but pulled away after bagging six birdies in a seven-hole stretch from the fourth, and was never challenged thereafter, finishing at 23-under-par for the tournament. He ended up three shots clear of Leishman, with South Africa’s Branden Grace in third, tied with Americans JJ Spaun and Keith Mitchell.
Wise, who is in his first season the PGA Tour, moved to America with his parents at the age of three. He had an outstanding amateur career and won the American collegiate championship in 2016 before turning professional.
Speaking about his first win, which secures a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, Wise said: “It’s huge to be able to plan your schedule at such a young age – to get into all the big events, and to get that experience. If you look at guys like Jordan [Spieth], Rory [McIlroy], and Justin [Thomas], and how getting all that early experience has paid off for them. I look at them, and what they experienced, and hopefully it will help me too in my career going forward.”
What’s in Aaron Wise’s bag?
Driver: Callaway Rogue (10.5)
Fairway Wood: Callaway Rogue (15)
Utility: Callaway X-Forged Utility
Irons: Callaway Apex 16 (4), Callaway Apex MB 18 (5-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 (50, 56, 60)
Putter: Odyssey O-Works Red V-Line Fang CH
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X