University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Famer and former Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, J.B. Holmes turned in his career-best finish at a major championship on Sunday when he placed third overall at the Open Championship at the Royal Troon course.
Holmes posted a 6-under score for the tournament which included a 2-under par score during the final round. The Campbellsville, Ky., native entered the week as the world’s No. 24 ranked player and fired rounds of 70, 70, 69, and 69 in his eighth-ever start at the Open Championship.
His final round featured four birdies including three in a four hole stretch beginning at the par-five fourth.
With today’s third-place showing, he has finished in the top-five on the leaderboard in two of the year’s three major tournaments. He capped the 2016 Master’s in a tie for fourth. Holmes’ previous-best finish at the Open Championship was a tie for 14th in 2010.
He now has five top-five finishes in 2016 and 33 combined in his professional career. Holmes’ 2-under score in the final round was enough to fend off Steve Stricker for sole possession of third. In historic fashion, Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson posted a 1-2 finish at the top of the leaderboard.
Holmes is set to compete in the next major championship in two weeks at the PGA Championship at the Baltursol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J., July 28-31.
For the latest on the Kentucky men’s golf team, follow @UKMensGolf on Twitter and on the web at UKathletics.com.
‑ GO CATS –
For more information contact:
Deb Moore (deb.moore@uky.edu) – (859) 257-3838
Deb Moore
University of Kentucky