With 11 final-round birdies, Austin Eckroat's winning ways continue at World Wide Technology Championship

Austin Eckroat showcased an electrifying final-round performance at the World Wide Technology Championship, carding 11 birdies en route to a 9-under 63 at El Cardonal at Diamante. His closing round propelled him to a 24-under total, securing his second PGA TOUR victory of the season by a single stroke over Justin Lower and Carson Young.

Reflecting on the victory, Eckroat called it the best round of golf he had ever played, emphasizing how winning for the second time affirmed his legitimacy as a competitor at the highest level. “You can't just say it was luck this time; I've done it twice,” Eckroat noted, expressing the personal significance of the accomplishment.

Starting one shot behind the leaders, Eckroat's rapid ascent began with a blistering 8-under through the first 12 holes. His performance was reminiscent of the dominance shown by his idol, Tiger Woods, whose design of El Cardonal added an extra layer of sentiment to the win. Eckroat fondly recalled his earliest golf memory of watching Woods triumph at the 2007 PGA Championship.

Eckroat's putter was crucial in his victory, as he entered the tournament ranked 132nd in Strokes Gained: Putting but ranked fourth in Putts per Green in Regulation by the end of the week. His final-round 63 tied his career low on the PGA TOUR, and notably, this win came with a different putter than the one he had used in previous triumphs since age 13.

The 25-year-old’s achievement places him among the ranks of elite multi-time winners this season, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele. Buoyed by this milestone, Eckroat is setting his sights on making the U.S. Ryder Cup Team, qualifying for the TOUR Championship, and ultimately capturing a major championship.

Joined by his wife Sally, who has shared the ups and downs of his career, Eckroat celebrated the moment with laughter, hinting at their agreement to get a pergola for their backyard if he secured a top-10 finish. “I guess we’re getting a pergola,” Eckroat said with a smile, grateful for her unwavering support.

Eckroat’s dazzling display on Sunday not only earned him another victory but also underscored that with performances like this, the best may still be ahead.