Nico Echavarria beat Tiger Woods’ course record, winning the Zozo Championship

INZAI CITY, Japan — Nico Echavarria won the Zozo Championship with his second PGA Tour victory, shooting a 3-under 67 on Sunday to win by a shot over Max Greyserman and Justin Thomas.

Echavarria, a Colombian who played at the University of Arkansas, birdied two of the last three holes — including the 18th — to add to the title he won last year at the Puerto Rico Open.

He finished 20-under 260 at Narashino Country Club, located 80 kilometers from central Tokyo. The course record, surpassing Tiger Woods’ 261 shot win in 2019.

“It’s amazing to win a tournament that Tiger won,” Echavarria said, cracking a joke. “This is my second win, so I just need 80 wins to catch him. I’m on my way, though.”

Echavarria said winning last year helped him a lot with his confidence.

“I don’t think I would have won this week without the victory in Puerto Rico,” he said. “I’ve drawn a lot since the last round on Sunday in Puerto Rico, I’ve used a lot this week to stay patient, I’m calm.”

Echavarria kissed his girlfriend, Claudia De Antonio. on the 18th after winning in what he called “a very special moment.”

“It’s surreal,” he said. “It’s been a good year for me, I didn’t have a high result. I’ve been consistent, I’ve learned a lot this year. To end the year like this, it’s amazing, especially to do it here. Japan in such an amazing country.”

Thomas, who played in three finals with Greyserman and Echavarria, closed with a 66. He is trying to win his first PGA title in 2 1/2 years. His last was the 2022 PGA Championship, which gave him 15 PGA titles.

“Obviously I’m hurt and disappointed, but I played really well,” Thomas said. “I played well enough to win the tournament. I hit a lot of putts today that didn’t go in, that’s the difference.”

Greyserman, trying for his first win, took one shot with a 30-foot birdie on the 14th – his only birdie on the back nine. He closed with a 65 at Narashino Country Club and has finished second in his last five PGA events.

He is a close friend of Echavarria. But losing, of course, hurts.

“You know, I didn’t play when I needed to. I mean, Nico went up there and hit a good second shot (on 18). He made it.”