France's Matthieu Pavon makes history at Farmers Insurance Open

Field Level Media|published: Sat 27th January, 20:13 2024

Jan 27, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; Matthieu Pavon hits his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course - South Course. credits: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports

Matthieu Pavon made history on Saturday, firing a 3-under par 69 to become the first golfer from France to win on the PGA Tour in the modern era with his victory at the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.

Playing on Torrey Pines' South Course, Pavon recovered from a bogey at the par-4 first hole to pick up five birdies against just one bogey for the rest of his round. He sank an 8-foot birdie putt at No. 18, putting him at 13-under 275 for the week, allowing him to squeak past Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard, who landed in second with a 12-under 276.

Hojgaard recorded a 2-under 70 on Saturday.

With the victory, Pavon became the first Frenchman since World War II to prevail in a PGA Tour event. The Tour's modern era began in 1968.

A three-way tie for third featured Nate Lashley (67 on Saturday), Jake Knapp (69) and German Stephan Jaeger (72), who were all two strokes off the lead.

Taiwan's Kevin Yu, coming off a T3 finish at The American Express last week, shot a 67 to tie for sixth at 10-under 278 along with Beau Hossler (68) and Tony Finau (69).

Max Homa failed to defend his title at the event, finishing tied for 13th at 8-under 280. He had a 69 on Saturday.

—Field Level Media