Kristoffer Ventura wins Utah Championship on third playoff hole

Being on the PGA TOUR has always been a dream of mine,” Ventura said after his victory. “I’ve gotten a taste of it. It’s been my goal this whole time. Now I’m a little closer. But next week is a new week and I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing and trust the process.”

Earlier this season, Ventura made the most of a sponsor's exemption at the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation, where he finished T3 in just his third start on the Korn Ferry Tour. Prior to his top-5 at the BMW Charity Pro-Am, Ventura was struggling to earn starts through Monday qualifying.

“A few weeks ago, I got an invite to the BMW Charity Pro-Am and finished in a tie for third there, and after that I was able to plan my schedule and that was the biggest thing for me,” he said. “Before that, I was playing Monday qualifiers and that was pretty tough mentally. To be in this position now, it’s incredible.”

Ventura was a standout at Oklahoma State University before turning professional in 2018. He played alongside teammates Viktor Hovland and Matthew Wolff, who both have experienced early success on the PGA TOUR. Hovland fired a final-round, 8-under 64 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic to finish T13 on Sunday.

Ventura noted that he and his teammates have always been competitive, and that he even received some inspiration from his former college coach Alan Bratton.

“Viktor played really well today, that was exciting to see,” he said. “Coach Bratton told me to get inspired by what Viktor did today and just go out there and have fun. That’s what I did, so I’m happy.”

Joshua Creel earned his best finish on the Korn Ferry Tour and second top-10 of the 2019 season. With the solo-second finish, he jumped to No. 27 in The 25 and has secured his place in the Korn Ferry Tour Finals.

“I’m a little disappointed, but I’ll take the positives from this week,” Creel said. “I think I locked up at least getting into the Finals, so that’s good. I’ve got a job for next year. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing, and hopefully my time comes.”

Ryan Brehm, Charlie Saxon and Kevin Dougherty finished T3 at 13-under 271.