Mats Ege It took a strong finish of his own for Healy to catch Norway's Mats Ege. Healy (Norcross, Ga.) resident and sports management major posted scores of 71-69-65 to take the title by a single shot. Healy saved his best for last, as his blemish-free 65, including seven birdies, was the tournament’s lowest score.
The final round lined up as a two-horse race. Healy and Ege were well clear of the field, but Ege held a one shot lead after the first two rounds.
The superb golf carried over to the back nine. Ege birdied hole Nos. 12 and 14 while Healy birdied hole Nos. 10 and 14.
The final four holes saw two lead changes and a total of three birdies between Healy and Ege. Ege landed the first blow with a birdie on the 15th hole; Healy hit back with a birdie of his own on the par-3 16th hole.
On the 17th hole, Healy hit his approach to five feet. When Ege's 20-foot putt missed, Healy stepped up and sank his birdie putt to grab a one shot lead. The Norwegian had one more attempt to tie his opponent with a 12-footer for birdie on No. 18 but missed, and Healy tapped in for par and the win.
This was a big win for Healy, as he hasn't contended in many events over the last few years. He recorded no top-10 finishes in 2022, so this was a positive way to kick-off 2023.