Ryan Brehm Secures Life Changing Victory At Puerto Rico Open

Coming into the tournament, Brehm needed a runner-up finish to keep his PGA Tour status

Brehm fist pumps
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Heading to Puerto Rico, Ryan Brehm was playing the last event of a medical exemption. Not only that, but the 35-year-old was also playing for his career, with a runner-up finish meaning he would keep his PGA Tour status for the remainder of 2022. If he won, then he would secure a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

Following rounds of 66, 67 and 68, the American was three shots clear heading into the final round. However, winning is never easy on the PGA Tour, let alone when you're playing for your career.

The pressure heading in to the final day would have been immense, but for Brehm, it didn't seem to show, as he birdied his opening hole and then the 5th and 9th to sit four shots clear as he moved into the back nine.

As the 35-year-old began his final nine holes, he would carry on his incredible run, with two crucial birdie putts at the 10th and 11th extending his lead to a huge seven-shots.

The chasing pack knew they would have to do something special to catch the leader. However, nobody was getting close, with Brehm producing a run of pars to keep his superior advantage intact.

With his wife on the bag, Brehm rolled in the final putt at the 18th green to claim a simply stunning six-shot win, a win that comes just a year after his mother sadly passed away with a brain tumour.

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Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x