Billy Hurley III wrapped up his first PGA TOUR victory (Getty)
Entering the final round of the 2016 Quicken Loans National at Congressional CC in Bethesda, Maryland, Billy Hurley III was ranked 607th in the world and had yet to experience the thrill of victory on the PGA TOUR. But that was just one reason why Hurley’s story as he looked to seal his first professional win was such a captivating one for golf fans and casual observers alike.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Hurley served in the Navy for five years from 2004 to 2009 and is the first service academy graduate to earn his tour card. From Leesburg, Virginia, which is less than 40 miles away from Congressional, Hurley lost his father less than a year ago. Hurley completed his improbable run Sunday, finishing at 17-under par and winning by three strokes over Vijay Singh.
And while Hurley was consistent throughout the final round, shooting a two-under 69, there were two shots that stuck out. Hurley chipped in from 35 yards out for birdie on the 15th hole, and followed that up with a 27-foot putt for birdie on the 16th. Singh and the rest of the competition needed Hurley to falter Sunday to have a chance, but the Midshipman displayed nerves of steel throughout.
Below is video of those two shots, beginning with Hurley’s chip on the 15th hole.