The rains fell in Southern California dashing the chances of the Bob Hope Classic’s normal Sunday finish, but opening up a magical Monday for the Haas family. 22 years ago Tour legend and current Champions Tour competitor Jay Haas jumped into the winner circle at the “The Hope” and on Monday his son Bill did the same thing breaking down the walls on a 140 Tour event winless streak. Haas obviously looked extrememly happy to win, but more importantly looked relieved.
After an impressive five under par 31 outward nine threw Haas into winning contention, he finished strong down the stretch birdieing three of his final five holes including 17 and 18. That followed by surprising par 5’s on the finishing 18th hole from contenders Matt Kucher, Tim Clark, and rookie Alex Prugh; clinched the tournament for Haas. He was a one shot victor over those three and Bubba Watson who was the leader going into the final round.
Like most young PGA pros Haas was an accomplished junior player and was highly decorated as a collegate at Wake Forest, following his family as Demon Deacons. While in Winston Salem Haas was a multiple All American and All ACC performer. He also was a member of the 2003 Walker Cup Team and in 2004 set an NCAA record for lowest scoring average. Haas had a semi successful season on the Nationwide Tour before earning a spot in “The Show” in 2006.
Now, like his father before him, Bill Haas has made an enormous splash as a PGA Tour Champion. I’m sure he would be more than happy with a career mirroring his father (28 wins, 9 PGA Tour wins, 3 Ryder Cups, 3 Champions Tour Majors, etc), but I’m also sure Haas will try to build his own legacy off the momentum of this West Coast win. He can start by making his first ever appearance at Augusta National in April. Congrats Bill…There’s plenty of ‘Hope’ for your future on Tour.
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