William Mouw achieved his first PGA Tour win at the ISCO Championship on Sunday in Louisville, Kentucky, finishing with a 9-under 61 that brought his total to 10-under 270. The 24-year-old former Pepperdine player waited nearly two hours to see if his lead would hold, ultimately clinching the title when third-round leader Paul Peterson missed a long birdie putt on the final hole at Hurstbourne Country Club.
Peterson’s Late Miss Hands Mouw the Title
Paul Peterson, playing the 10th hole as Mouw completed his round, was unable to convert a 55-foot birdie attempt on the 18th green, sealing a one-stroke victory for Mouw. Peterson, who is 37 years old and also marking his 20th PGA Tour start, finished with a 69 to place second. His strong birdie putts on the 14th and 16th holes kept him within striking distance, but he closed with pars on the final holes. The ISCO Championship was also part of a co-sanctioned event with the European Tour.
Mouw’s Exceptional Scoring Performance
Mouw’s comeback was powered by an early surge of birdies on the first three holes, followed by two more on the seventh and eighth, producing a front-nine score of 30. On the back nine, he added birdies at holes 10, 11, 13, and 17 to record the lowest score of his short PGA Tour career. This victory grants Mouw a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and secures his entry into next year’s PGA Championship, although he did not gain a Masters invitation.
Other Strong Contenders and Notable Performances
Finishing in third place, Manuel Elvira carded a 66 to reach seven under overall. Vince Whaley and David Skinns concluded tied for fourth at six under with rounds of 70 each. Auburn junior Jackson Koivun shot a 68 to tie for sixth at five under, following his recent tie for 11th at the John Deere Classic. Chan Kim, who led by five strokes after his initial rounds of 61 and 68, struggled over the weekend with scores of 75 and 73, finishing tied for 14th at three under. Peterson and Kim were among the dozen players completing the suspended third round on Sunday morning.
Implications for William Mouw and the Tour
This breakthrough win marks a significant milestone in William Mouw’s emerging career on the PGA Tour, reflecting his potential to compete at the highest level. His strong performance at the ISCO Championship not only guarantees him extended playing opportunities but also boosts his confidence heading into major tournaments. The tightly contested finish emphasizes the depth of talent in this tournament and foreshadows exciting competition in upcoming events.