Brian Gay's 8-year-old daughter had it on good authority that her father would earn his first PGA TOUR victory at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.
The defending champ's 12-year-old son told her so the night prior to the final round.
Although Gay didn't know about the prediction, he did a nice job making it hold up, shooting a 1-under 69 in the final round to win the Mayakoba Golf Classic by two shots over Steve Marino.
The PGA TOUR's second annual visit south of the border became Gay's to lose when he closed the third round with birdies on five of the last six holes. He took a five-stroke lead into the final round and led by at least four throughout the first 16 holes Sunday. Marino moved a shot closer on each of the last two holes, but all it changed was the margin of victory.
In his 293rd career start, Gay finally was a winner; only 12 active players have entered more events without breaking through.
Then again, Taylor Funk - whose dad, Fred, won the inaugural event - knew it was going to happen after Gay's birdie flurry Saturday. At the hotel pool a few hours later, he told Makinley Gay, "Your dad's going to win."
Makinley told her mom, Kimberly, who then decided to keep that story between them to avoid adding to the pressure Daddy already felt. That may have been a good idea.
Emotion came after he tapped in for par on 18, when his 4-year-old daughter Brantley ran onto the green to be the first to congratulate him. He then celebrated with Kimberly and Makinley.
Gay finished at 16-under 264, one stroke better than Funk's winning score last year.
Marino, who closed with a 66, finished two strokes back. John Merrick, the leader after each of the first two rounds, and Matt Kuchar tied for third at 268.
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