Wilson wins Humana Challenge

Wisconsin native notches fifth PGA Tour title

Published on January 23, 2012

Mark Wilson won the Humana Challenge on Sunday for his fifth career victory on the PGA Tour. Wilson, a native of Menomonee Falls, shot 69 on Sunday afternoon to finish at 24-under-par 264, two strokes clear of Johnson Wagner, John Mallinger and Robert Garrigus.

The tournament, which this year kicked off a new partnership with the Clinton Foundation and a new focus on global health, is held on three golf courses in La Quinta, Calif.

Wilson got in position to win with a 10-under-par 62 on Friday, the lowest score of his professional career.

Wilson, who lives in the Chicago area, earned a little more than $1 million for the win. He also moved up to second on the FedEx Cup points list behind Wagner. Wisconsin’s Steve Stricker is third.

The tournament was suspended Saturday afternoon because of dangerous wind, so the third round was completed Sunday morning. Wilson played the final three holes of his third round on Sunday morning. During that windy, fractured third round over two days, Wilson kept it together for a solid round of 67.

“Shooting 67 over there in those windy conditions … I think that was a key to winning this week,” Wilson said.

On Sunday, Wilson made his lone bogey on the front nine, and reeled off four birdies on the back nine. The final of those came on the par-5 18th hole to lock up the win.

Wilson has played the three opening tournaments on the PGA Tour this season. Previously he tied for 18th at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and missed the cut at the Sony Open.

Last year, Wilson won twice early in the season, with victories at the Sony Open and the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Now, he’s off to another fast start this season. After the win Sunday he was asked about his hot starts the last two years.

“The only thing can I think of is that (during) the break in November and December, I can clear my mind of golf,” Wilson said Sunday. “I tend to remember the good things I did the season before, and when I come out the last two years, I really just had a clear mind and really focusing on what I'm doing, not worrying about my standing in the world rankings or my standing in the money list. I feel like I'm more into my zone.”

Madison’s Jerry Kelly also played in the Humana Challenge. Kelly shot 71-70-70 and missed the 54-hole cut.