Adam Cornelson finished off what he started, wrapping up the Bayview Place Island Savings Open presented by the Times Colonist title with a record-breaking finish Sunday afternoon at Uplands Golf Club.
The Langley native’s final-round 5-under 65 left him at a 20-under 260 total, establishing a PGA Tour-era 72-hole scoring record on the Mackenzie Tour, initially set by Brock Mackenzie (261) at the 2014 ATB Financial Classic and demolishing the local tournament’s previous low of 15-under that Albin Choi recorded here last year.
Cornelson made it back-to-back titles at Uplands for Vancouver-area golfers and he’s also the first left-hander to win on tour since 2007 (Adam Bland).
“The crowd, the way the tournament finished — I’ve never felt support like I did with that crowd. Every time I walked to the next tee it was, ‘Go Adam and go Langley.’ It was unbelievable,” said Cornelson, who chipped in for birdie from in front of the 18th green for an emphatic finish that brought on roars reserved for the likes of Tiger Woods.
“It gives me confidence knowing that I can do it. I always believed I could do it, but now I know I can do it. The way I went about my business this week, I think I should write a bit of that down and keep going.”
Cornelson — who had a piece of the lead after his opening 64 on Thursday — never let up, maintaining a grip on top spot through the four days. The 28-year-old, who, ironically, hit the first tee shot here in Victoria after the PGA Tour took over the circuit in 2013, earned the top $31,500 paycheque. He also added the $2,500 as top Canadian for a strong pay day.
His personal previous best on tour was a tie for fifth at the 2014 Wildfire Invitational in Ontario.
Cornelson always seems to save his best for the Island, however, recording his fifth straight top-25 finish here. His previous low in Victoria was a tie for 13th in 2013.
He certainly had a spring in his step Sunday. On his walk between the 15th green and 16th tee box he said he had “goosebumps” from the flock of 250-plus fans following his every move along the course.
“I told you I love Victoria,” he told the Times Colonist at that very point.
Taylor Moore, a former All-American who made his debut on tour at Uplands after representing the Arkansas Razorbacks at the NCAA championship last week, was second, five shots back after his final round 65 that followed his 69-66-65 start and introduction to PGA Tour Canada.
Moore, of Edmond, Oklahoma, was two shots better than Jeff Rein of Cibolo, Texas, who recorded a 1-under 69 Sunday for a 267 total.
“I’m happy. I did a lot of good things this week and made a good run at it,” said Moore.
Seann Harlingten of Vancouver was alone in fourth as he, too, fired a 5-under 65 on the day to sit at 268.
Dan McCarthy, who finished at 10-under 270 total, was in a tie for sixth and, after his win last week at the Freedom 55 Financial Open at Point Grey, maintains top position on the tour’s Order of Merit.
“I’m happy with the way the week finished off,” said McCarthy, whose $37,363 leads Cornelson’s $32,148. Moore is now tied for third at $18,900 with last week’s runner-up, Tyler McCumber.
The top three players on that money list through the first six events of the 2016 season will earn exemptions into the RBC Canadian Open stop on the PGA Tour. The top finisher at the end of the schedule will have full exemption onto the Web.com Tour.
“That’s the goal,” admitted McCarthy. “Just keep tacking up the good finishes and run up the money total.”
Langley’s Thomas Hay shot 66 to finish tied with McCarthy at 10-under and Chilliwack’s Brad Clapp was tied for ninth at 9-under after his final 68.
Uplands assistant pro Ben Griffin, who like Cornelson had a piece of the first-round lead after a 64, finished 72-73-75 for a tie for 62nd.
The tour moves on to Kelowna this week.
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