Adam Long wins the Desert Classic
La Quinta, CA – 31-year-old rookie Adam Long grabs his first professional victory at the 2019 Desert Classic presented by Workday. The PGA Tour kicked off its first event in 2019 in the continental US this weekend at the Desert Classic in La Quinta, California. It was a spectacular finish on Sunday as there were a multitude of players tied or within one of the lead coming down the stretch. The final group consisting of Phil Mickelson, Adam Hadwin and Adam Long put on a show of back-and-forth shot-making and it did not disappoint.
Desert Classic winner Adam Long was the most unlikely player in the final group to be picked to win at the end of the day. Many chose the leader of the tournament after 18, 36, and 54-holes; Phil Mickelson to win. Previous PGA Tour winner Adam Hadwin was also a popular choice. What made Long such an unlikely choice was that he spent the last 5 years and 113 tournaments on the Web.com tour and without a victory. Even in Adam’s short time on tour since attaining his PGA Tour card in 2018, he missed every cut – until Sunday.
Adam Long started the day by birdieing his first two holes. He stayed bogey-free the entire day and even holed out from off the green twice! After seeing both of his playing partners hold the lead throughout the day, his shot to take the solo lead came on the 18th green with the trophy on the line. All 3 players were tied. Adam Hadwin’s birdie sand shot missed going in by a few inches and Phil’s birdie putt burned the edge of the cup. Adam Long then drained his birdie for the win.
With his win in the desert, Adam earned full exemption on the PGA Tour including a spot at the Masters in April. Next week the PGA Tour heads to Torrey Pines where Tiger Woods will make his 2019 debut.
Adam Long WITB:
Driver: TaylorMade M4, 8.5 degree (Project X Even Flow Black 6.0)
3-wood: TaylorMade M4, 15 degree
Hybrid: TaylorMade M3, 19 degree
Irons (4-PW): TaylorMade P760
Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind 52 & 56 degree, TaylorMade Milled Grind Hi-Toe 60 degree
Putter: Scotty Cameron by Titleist X5R
Ball: Titleist Pro V1