Peter Malnati breaks down after ending near-NINE-year wait for his second PGA Tour win at the Valspar Championship: ‘You wonder if you’re ever going to do it again’
Peter Malnati bared his soul after securing a second PGA Tour win – nearly nine years after his first – at the Valspar Championship on Sunday.
The 36-year-old claimed a two-shot victory in Florida – despite a comical top – after rolling in five birdies in a four-under par final round.
It was the world No 184’s second career Tour title and his first since November 2015. This victory also earned him $1,512,000 – and a first ever visit to the Masters next month.
Following the win, the American was overcome with emotion. While carrying his young son, Malnati gave a heartfelt interview in which he opened up on the struggle of waiting for this second win.
‘You wonder if you’re ever going to do it again, because it’s hard and in the nine years since my last win, it’s gotten a lot harder, too,’ he told the Golf Channel, his voice trembling.
Peter Malnati bared his soul after securing a second PGA Tour victory on Sunday
Malnati gave a heartfelt interview in which he opened up on his wait for a second victory
‘The level of talent out here… guys (are) coming out when they’re 20 years old and they’re ready to play on this stage and they’re so good. You just wonder.
‘So to have this moment, it just feels so amazing. Obviously, my family believes in me – I’ve got the best caddie (Chad Antus), he’s been loyal to me for a long time, through a lot of downtimes too. ‘
Malnati also paid tribute to his wife Alicia for ‘making all this possible’ as he revealed the reality of life outside golf’s elite.
‘Life is hard. It’s obviously glamorous at times like this and this is my dream job and it’s absolutely amazing,’ he said.
‘You wonder if you’re ever going to do it again, because it’s hard,’ the 36-year-old admitted
‘But life is really really hard, too. When you’re trying to figure out how to live this lifestyle and have two kids and be everything you want to be. It’s really hard and my wife has been an absolute rock through all of it.
‘She’s amazing and I’ve got my mom here, my family is amazing. My two little boys… it just feels so good.’
Malnati began the day two shots off the pace before shooting a 67 in his final round at Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course.
On the tee at the 198-yard, par-three 17th, he hit a dart to within six feet of the cup and walked in the ensuing putt for birdie.
That birdie helped Malnati finish the week 12 under par. He beat Cameron Young by two strokes after Young bogeyed his final hole en route to a 68. Young now has seven career runner-up finishes without a PGA Tour victory.
