PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic (AP) Dominic Bozzelli won the inaugural Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship on Sunday for his first Web.com Tour title.
The 25-year-old former Auburn player closed with a 4-under 68 for a four-stroke victory over Roberto Diaz, Sam Ryder and Blake Adams.
Bozzelli, from Rochester, New York, finished at 24-under 264 after opening with rounds of 69, 63 and 64. He earned $112,500 to jump from 37th to sixth on the money list with $163,288. The top 25 at the end of the regular season will earn PGA Tour cards.
''This is a big relief. I really wanted to win this year,'' Bozzelli said. ''I think I'm pretty close to locking up that card. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'm going to enjoy this one for sure, but I'd like to try and get another one. ... The goal was to get onto the PGA Tour. Getting this win changes things. The win will help my confidence. I think the sky's the limit from here.''
Diaz shot 68, Ryder 69, and Adams 72. Jeff Gove and Albin Choieach each shot 67 to tie for fifth at 19 under.
Bozzelli three-putted for bogey on the par-4 18th, his first blemish in 37 holes.
''I would've liked to make par on 18 to finish it off,'' Bozzelli said. ''I'm happy to get the win.''
After tapping in for the victory, Bozzelli was greeted by father Dominic, mother Susan and sister Bianca.
''I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for their support,'' Bozzelli said. ''To have them here to see that first one was really special. It's definitely a week we won't forget.''
