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Rainaud Picks Up Win on the Tour
February 23, 2016 | Men's Golf
Former Cardinal Adam Rainaud wins in match play event
For the second consecutive year, Rainaud beat Rich Berberian in the finals to claim the final title of the PGA Winter Championship Series.
Rainaud won three consecutive holes on the front side of the Dye Course and cruised to a 4-and-3 victory over Berberian. Rainaud, who won 5-and-4 last year, had three birdies and an eagle.
Rainaud had to survive a nine-hole playoff in Wednesday's second round against Mitchell Camp – Rainaud's second nine-holer in the last two months – to have a chance to defend. Rainaud, a PGA Assistant Professional at Black Hall Club in Old Lime, Conn., is 12-0 in the Match Play.Rainaud became the fifth player to defend his title, joining Bob Sowards (2012-2013), Gene George (1996-1997), Lonnie Nielsen (1987-1988) and Bob Brue (1975-1976). The list of previous PGA Match Play champions includes Jim Dent, Dana Quigley and Bruce Zabriski.Rainaud beat Jeff Wells of Redondo Beach, Calif., 5-and-4 in the other semifinal.
The 29-year-old Rainaud was an All-American at Louisville, but the 6-foot-7 long hitter gave up his hopes of playing on the PGA Tour after one failed try at q-school.
Winning consecutive PGA Match Plays isn't going to change his thinking.
Friday's semifinals and finals results from the 53rd PGA Match Play Championship on the 7,053-yard Dye Course at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.:Semifinals
Adam Rainaud, South Hadley, MA, def. Jeff Wells, Redondo Beach, CA, 5-and-4.
Rich Berberian, Derry, NH, def. Bob Sowards, Dublin, OH, 1-up.
Rainaud def. Berberian, 4-and-3.
