Holmes Returns from Brain Surgery to Win at Quail Hollow

Lewis Shines in LPGA Shootout

Chris Duthie

Nearly three years after two brain surgeries, J.B. Holmes is back in the winner’s circle. The long-hitting Kentucky native finished one shot ahead of Jim Furyk at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, NC.

“Just enjoying the moment,” said Holmes after carding a stress-filled, one-under 71 that included two bogeys and an eight-foot par putt on the final three holes. “You don't get that very often, so getting up and thanking God for letting me have the opportunity to do it. Whether I made it or not, just enjoy being there.”

In 2011, the three-time PGA Tour titlist was sidelined after he was diagnosed with structural defects in the cerebellum known as Chiara malformations. After a piece of his skull was removed, he underwent a second operation to address an allergic reaction to adhesive that was holding the titanium plate to the base of his scull.

More hardship followed, including breaking an ankle last year while rollerblading for exercise, and elbow surgery that resulted from hitting too many practice balls.

“It’s been a long journey for me,” said Holmes, who finished with a 14-under 274 total at Quail Hollow Club. “I’ve had some ups and downs. It’s a great feeling to be out there and to get one done.”

LPGA

In Irving, Texas, super hot-shooting Stacy Lewis blew away the field and clinched the North Texas LPGA Shootout. Lewis was nearly perfect Sunday, shooting a 7-under 64 for a 16-under 268 that was six strokes better than Meena Lee.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. I kind of have these mini-goals in the back of my mind,” said Lewis, who now has nine career LPGA Tour victories including the 2013 Women’s British Open title. “One of them was kind of taking a tournament and running away with it. … So to be so close the last few weeks and then to come out and shoot 64, I mean I don’t even know what to say.”

Lewis has eight top-six finishes in nine starts this year, including third at the Kraft Nabisco and a near-miss second last week in San Francisco. She has risen to No. 2 in the world rankings, ahead of teenage phenom Lydia Ko.

NEXT UP

PGA Tour: The PLAYERS Championship; May 8-11; TPC Sawgrass; Ponte Vedra Beach FL

LPGA Tour: Kingsmill Championship; May 15-18; Kingsmill Resort; Williamsburg VA

Champions Tour: Regions Tradition; May 15-18; Shoal Creek; Shoal Creek, AL

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Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.