Jhonattan Vegas grinded out what ultimately was a rewarding week at Quail Hollow with a 1-over par 72, finishing T-5, his best career result in major championship. The Venezuelan, in his 17th major appearance, finished in the top 20 in a major for the first time Sunday.
He led after both the first and second round leads in Charlotte this week. Instead of succumbing to the unique pressures of a major lead only experience can provide, Vegas remained in contention until Scottie Scheffler pulled away on the back nine Sunday. The four-time PGA Tour winner viewed hanging in after losing the lead as a point of pride after a career-milestone week.
“Lots of positives,” Vegas said. “Obviously my best finish in a major is always incredibly positive. A lot of positives to take from this week. My game was there. Body didn't quite hold up at the end when I needed it but you know, even month-to-month feeling great, finishing somewhere around the top 5 is always something extremely to be proud of.”
The mental toll and pressure of leading can be exhausting for anyone. The 40-year-old also considered the quick turnaround when he was a late tee time on Thursday and had a very quick turnaround on Friday morning, sleeping just around three hours.
“It's more mentally than physically, right. Mentally it just drains you from the beginning,” Vegas said. “Obviously my week was a little bit tougher week, finishing very late on Thursday, having to come back early on Friday, having the lead, having to play with the lead on Friday, being around with the lead on Saturday, and obviously trying to chase today. It just drains you, right.”
Vegas is excited to take away the success of this week and apply it to the rest of his 2025 PGA Tour season.
“Same thing. Keep doing the work. Obviously this was a good booster for the confidence to know that I can put myself in contention for the majors and hopefully win one. So you know, just keep working, keep getting better and praying for the best,” Vegas said.
Vegas’ old college coach at the University of Texas at Austin John Fields spoke with pgachampionship.com by phone Saturday night and says he’s always loved the competitive fire of his former pupil, but even more so, he’s impressed with his humble attitude towards life.
“He’s the most appreciative guy that I’ve ever coached, hands down,” Fields said. “And the most humble guy you’re ever going to meet. He came from an oil camp, didn’t have much when he got here. Won four times and 20- plus million on Tour and he had a chance to win the PGA Championship too, just wow.”
Fields has an intensity when he speaks passionately about his former players. Over the phone, that intensity and pride was palpable.
“I say the two words that come to mind when I think about Vegas is courage and appreciation, because the things that he’s overcome in his life, there’s probably not one guy who’s had to overcome the things he’s had to. Yet he’s done it. He just has an innate swing and that’s taken him so far in this life.”
And there’s much more of the journey to go after a career week at Quail Hollow.
