
Brian Campbell achieved a monumental milestone on Sunday by securing his inaugural victory on the PGA Tour, celebrating with his most cherished supporter.
Immediately following his birdie on the second playoff hole at the Mexico Open, which allowed him to overcome South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter, the 31-year-old golfer was greeted on the course at Vidanta Vallarta by his girlfriend, Kelsi McKee. In a touching moment, she leaped into his arms, encapsulating the joy of the occasion.
“Being in this position feels completely surreal,” Campbell expressed. “I can hardly believe it.”
This win marked a significant achievement for Campbell, who has been a professional since 2015.
His final round score of 1-under 70 set the stage for an intense playoff against the 20-year-old Potgieter, who is just beginning his career as a professional golfer.
During the second playoff hole, Campbell’s shot veered wide right and appeared destined to land in the brush, seemingly out of play.
Fortunately, Campbell experienced what he termed the “bounce of a lifetime,” as noted by broadcaster Smylie Kaufman, allowing his ball to land on the green just under 100 yards from Potgieter.
Campbell then sank a birdie after executing a precise pitch shot that positioned him for victory.
“That ball should not have bounced back,” stated Campbell’s caddie, Cooper Wilson. “But it did. After that, he had a 3-wood shot from the dirt and made a remarkable 60-yard shot, sealing his place in the Tour for at least another two years to pursue his dreams.”
Campbell then took a moment to embrace McKee while Wilson enthusiastically poured champagne over the couple.
“Brian is incredibly talented, but no one has put in more effort to get here,” McKee remarked, as reported by the PGA Tour.
“The amount he has worked to rise from the bottom, especially when he faced challenges on the Korn Ferry Tour, has been impressive. Witnessing him win today is a testament to that hard work, and this moment is truly his.”
Since at least 2020, Campbell has publicly shared his relationship with McKee on social media.
With this recent victory, Campbell has earned eligibility to compete in the upcoming Players Championship, the 2025 Masters, and the PGA Championship, as noted by the AP.
The Players Championship is set to take place at Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on March 13.
