Scottie Scheffler drew the big headlines on Sunday by taking home $2.1 million for his win at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play and moving to No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking, but in a way, there was a lot more on the line at the PGA Tour’s other event. And one player’s emotional press conference proved just that.
Ben Martin led after each of the first three rounds at the Corales Puntacana Championship and still had a chance at his second career win—and first since 2014—on the 18th hole. But after striking two perfect shots to give himself a five-foot birdie look to tie Chad Ramey’s lead, the 34-year-old missed, forcing him to settle for a T-2 with Alex Smalley and giving Ramey his maiden PGA Tour title.
Moments later, Martin did a Q&A with media. Well, tried to do one, at least. Have a look for yourself—and keep the tissues handy:
What an incredible video. Martin needs a full minute to try to gather himself before answering, and then the cameras still cut away before he returns. And how about his caddie coming on screen to console him at one point? Quite a touching scene.
When Martin finally composes himself, he gives beautiful, thoughtful answers about why this close call meant so much to the journeyman who has strugged on the course the past five years, and about how his family—who was in attendance—is most important: “All the things that I truly treasure didn’t really change.”
Well said, Ben. And well played. On the bright side, in addition to those 135 FedEx Cup points, you definitely picked up some new fans.