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Holmes proves he’s a survivor with PGA Tour victory three years after brain surgery

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J.B. Holmes shows off his  trophy after winning the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club. Photo: USA Today

Nearly three years after undergoing brain surgery, J.B. Holmes completed the long journey back to the top when he won the US$6.9 million Wells Fargo Championship on Sunday.

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Holmes broke clear with three birdies in four holes around the turn, before limping home with two late bogeys to clinch a one-stroke victory over fellow American Jim Furyk at Quail Hollow.

“This is a big win for me. It’s been a long road,” an emotional Holmes said after sinking a three-foot bogey putt at the last to shoot 71 and finish at 14-under-par 274.

Furyk fired a 65 for second place, while Martin Flores (72) bogeyed the last to finish two strokes behind.

Five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, who surged into contention with a third-round 63, was not a factor with a 76 to tie for 11th.

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Holmes collected US$1.242 million for his third PGA Tour victory. His two previous wins came in the Arizona desert at the Phoenix Open, in 2006 and 2008.

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