John Keefer claims first pro win at CentrePort Canada Rail Park Manitoba Open

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – John Keefer claimed his first victory as a professional at the CentrePort Canada Rail Park Manitoba Open after carding a 5-under 67 in the final round on Sunday.

After finishing as the runner-up four times in seven starts throughout the North America Swing, the Baylor alum secured a one-stroke victory at Southwood Golf and Country Club.

“It's incredible. It's been a short time, but it feels like a long time coming,” Keefer said. “Yeah, no, coming in second place four times doesn't feel maybe quite as good as you'd think… It's incredible, it's a relief and I’m really happy to win.”

Keefer held a share of the lead during all four rounds. Despite starting his final round with a bogey, Keefer settled in and found his rhythm soon after to take control.

“Yeah, I'd say probably my third hole,” Keefer said. “It's never super easy sleeping on the lead or even being close in contention. I didn't really think that I was nervous to start, it was more just maybe a little bit restless… When I first got the birdie on No. 3 I was pretty relieved, but then I was like, ‘All right, it's go time, we've got to go low.’”

Currently the No. 1 player in the Fortinet Cup points list, Keefer adds a win to his four runner-up finishes in eight starts through the North America Swing. Since beginning his professional career in June, Keefer has not missed a cut and has finished inside the top 10 seven times.

Keefer earned status for the North America Swing after he finished 25th in the PGA TOUR University Class of 2024. Keefer jumped into the top 25 after a T11 finish at the NCAA National Championship in May.

In 141 career rounds at Baylor University, Keefer had a cumulative stroke average of 71.45, the best mark in program history. Keefer was also a two-time All-Big 12 selection in 2022 and 2024 and set the Baylor program record for lowest tournament score at the 2024 NCAA Chapel Hill Regional, where he carded a 12-under 198 and finished T2.

Keefer is expected to be in the field at the CRMC Championship presented by Gertens in Brainerd, Minnesota.

About John Keefer (First/-26) 

Age: 23
Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland
Residence: San Antonio, Texas
College: Baylor University
Fortinet Cup: First

• Won his first professional event at the 2024 CentrePort Canada Rail Park Manitoba Open; Keefer moves to No. 1 in the Fortinet Cup points list with the win.
• Has a cumulative scoring average of 65.52 through eight starts this summer, which is No. 1 on PGA TOUR Americas.
• Has made the cut in all eight starts this summer since earning membership through PGA TOUR University.
• Finished his collegiate career with the lowest stroke average in Baylor program history (71.45), besting Jimmy Walker’s mark of 71.55. Named to the All-Big 12 team twice (2022, 2024).
• Only individual to be named Big 12 Men’s Golf Scholar Athlete of the Year three times (2022, 2023, 2024).
• Set Baylor tournament scoring record at 2024 NCAA Chapel Hill Regional with a score of 12-under 198.
• Finished T11 at NCAA National Championship, the best individual finish at Nationals in Baylor program history.
• Became the fourth player in Baylor history to be named to the Arnold Palmer Cup team (2022).
• Recipient of the 2024 Scout McNealy Award, which is awarded to a member of the Baylor Men’s Golf team who exemplifies excellence in their everyday life.

Competition notes 

Course setup: Par 72, 7,311 yards; R4 average: 69.800.
Weather: Cloudy with a high of 88. Wind from the southwest at 7-11 mph with gusts up to 21 mph.

• Keefer is the second consecutive wire-to-wire winner on PGA TOUR Americas; A.J. Ewart held a share of the lead through all four rounds during his win at the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open.
• Two countries are represented in the top five and ties: United States (4) and Canada (3).
• Mexico’s José de Jesús Rodriguez (T26/-16) was the low Latin.
• Joey Savoie was the low Canadian (T2/-25) after carding an 8-under 64 in the final round.
• 72 players made the cut at 7-under.
• Hole No. 1 – the 484-yard par 4 – was the most challenging hole at Southwood Golf and Country Club on Sunday; averaging a +.280.