Stephen Ames tees off on the first hole during the first round of the Galleri Classic at Mission Hills Country Club on March 29, 2024 in Rancho Mirage, California. Canada's Stephen Ames birdied the 18th hole to complete a seven-shot comeback and defend his title at the Boeing Classic in Snoqualmie, Wash., on Sunday.
Ames started the day well behind Sweden's Robert Carlson, but Carlson's five bogeys on the front nine opened the door for everyone behind him.
Ames shot a 5-under 67 for the second consecutive day to win by one shot at 11-under 205.
“At that stage, when you're down seven and you're leaving, I thought the next goal might be to try to get into the top five,” Ames said. “Obviously, the company I'm with today is Ernie (Els) ) and Steven Alker, who are obviously notable winners on this year's and last year's tours.
“I think it's going to be a good battle. Ultimately our opponent is my team.”
Ames and Els of South Africa teed off the par-5 18th hole at the Snoqualmie Ridge Club and were tied for the lead, one shot ahead of their other partner, Alke of New Zealand. Ames hit the green in two shots, Els' third shot barely missed the hole, and Alke found a bunker beside the green.
Ames' eagle putt fell back from the front of the green to about 5 feet from the cup. After Alker recovered for a birdie and Els missed his birdie attempt, Ames had the lead birdie, his fourth in the past seven holes.
Ames, 60, won the Boeing Classic by seven strokes last year. It was his third victory of the season and ninth of his PGA Tour winning career.
Carlson birdied the final two holes for a 75 and tied for second at 10 under with Els and Alke, who each shot 68.
“I had a tough game (Saturday), but I got over it and worked hard,” Alke said. “Obviously we needed some help from the leaders at the start of the match and we got that. When we got through nine holes, I was a little surprised and we looked at the leaderboard and saw we were only two holes behind.
“Yeah, it was just a great battle. It was fun and I really enjoyed the back nine.”
South Korea's Charlie Wie (75 on Sunday) and Kirk Triplett (71) were tied for fifth at 8 under. Paul Stankovsky shot 69 to finish seventh at 7 under.
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