Native Nebraskan Lashley Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic

DETROIT (AP June 30) – Nate Lashley completed an unlikely wire-to-wire victory in the Rocket Mortgage Classic on Sunday for his first PGA Tour title.

Lashley closed with a 2-under 70 to finish at 25-under 263 and win by six shots, the margin he took into the day after opening with rounds of 63, 67 and 63.

The 36-year-old Lashley’s parents and girlfriend were killed in a plane crash 15 years ago. He dabbled in real estate after graduating from the University of Arizona, quit playing professional golf several years ago and resumed playing in the PGA Tour’s minor leagues.

Lashley, a Mitchell, Nebraska native, won two Class C1 individual state titles and helped Mitchell High School to state team titles in 2000 and 2001.

The 353rd ranked player in the world slipped into PGA Tour’s first event in Detroit as an alternate Wednesday.

Monday qualifier Doc Redman shot a 67 to finish second. Rory Sabbatini (68) and Wes Roach (68) were another stroke back.