Wyatt Worthington II wins weather-shortened event No. 2 in PGA Tournament Series

PORT ST. LUCIE –  Wyatt Worthington II was declared the winner of Event No. 2 of the PGA Tournament Series when Tuesday’s final round was canceled after two delays.

  

The cancelation reverted the scores to the first round, where Worthington led after a 6-under 66 on the Wanamaker Course at PGA Golf Club. Two years ago, Worthington became the first African-American to win a PGA Tournament Series event – also on the Wanamaker Course. Play was stopped with the leaders in the eighth fairway.

  

Tuesday’s win wasn’t about history. But it wasn’t a fluke – Worthington had birdied his last three holes to lead by two at 8-under over Jeff Sorenson (2-under through seven holes) and Omar Uresti (5-under through 10).

  

“It’s kind of surreal (to win like this), but at the same time it’s bittersweet,” said Worthington, a PGA Teaching Professional at The Golf Depot of Central Park in Gahanna, Ohio.

 

“I know a lot of the guys wanted to finish the round and see how it played out. To be frank, I kind of wanted to do the same. But I’m not going to complain.”

 

Tim Puetz of Stamford, Ct., took second, thanks to Monday’s 67. Sorenson (68) was third and Frank Esposito, Scott Berliner, David Muttitt and Michael Shine tied for fourth at 69.

  

Todd Gary, Championship Manager for the PGA of America, said there were several factors in canceling the round.

  

“We had roughly 11 holes to play (for the leaders) and it would have been cart-path only – we wouldn’t have gotten done,” Gary said. “And (PGA Golf Club) has a big stroke-play event (Wednesday). We just didn’t have a course to continue.”

  

Gary said it was the second time in his 12-year tenure a PGA Tournament Series event couldn’t complete 36 holes. Uresti understood the call.

  

“That’s just the way it goes,” Uresti said. “We had too much rain in too little time.”

  

Worthington said he was proud to make history two years ago, not as much for him, but for other minorities.

  

“I’m proud of the achievement, but I’m probably more excited for what the win did to inspire other people,” he said. “It’s good to get the message out and bring more awareness that golf is inclusional to minorities.”

   

Worthington received $5,000 for the win.

 

The PGA Tournament Series is presented by GolfAdvisor.com.