Rod Pampling’s luck turns in Las Vegas

• Rod Pampling wins on PGA Tour for first time in ten years
• The Aussie wasn’t even supposed to be at the event
• Only a clerical error from the PGA Tour allowed him in

Rod Pampling claimed his third PGA Tour win and his first for more than ten years at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open – and he shouldn’t even have been at the event.

The Aussie should have missed out on the tournament and was only included because of a clerical error. The field was supposed to be reduced from 144 to 132 because of reduced daylight with a new November date, but the PGA Tour didn’t process the change, allowing Pampling in.

“It’s extremely rewarding” – Rod Pampling

And, in Las Vegas, Pampling’s luck was certainly in as he saw off US Ryder Cup winner Brooks Koepka by two strokes with four birdies in his final six holes for his first win of any kind since the 2008 Australian Masters.

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“It’s extremely rewarding,” said the Aussie, who pocketed $1.18m as a result. “Obviously, winning Arnold Palmer’s event in ’06 is still on top, but coming back from what we’ve had the last few years to get a win under the belt is phenomenal and amazing. It’s a great feeling.”

And the timing couldn’t be better.

At 47, Pampling had been yo-yoing between the PGA and Web.com Tours over the past few years but this win has given him an exemption right through until August 2019, a month before he turns 50 and is eligible of the Champions Tour.

“It’s a huge reward for the hard work we’ve done” – Rod Pampling

What’s more, it also gains him entry to the 2017 Masters and US PGA Championship.

“I didn’t think it would take this long after ’06, but it’s a funny game, and things happen,” added Pampling. “There were a few chances that didn’t work out. But to come back after last three or four years and to get this again is a huge reward for the hard work we’ve done.”

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Rod Pampling’s luck turns in Las Vegas

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