Nicolas Echavarria might have some way to go to follow in the footsteps of Tiger Woods but he has at least taken one record off the all-time great. The Colombian underlined his growing potential by winning the ZOZO Championship in Japan on Sunday, holding off Justin Thomas and Max Greyserman.
Echavarria shot 67 in his final round, leaving him on 20 under overall.
The tournament was in the balance before the 30-year-old birdied two of the final three holes, sealing the second tour win of his career. His first came in October last year at the Puerto Rico Open.
But his latest success carries greater significance, least of all because it has earned him an automatic invite for the US Masters in Augusta next April. He’s also now qualified for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow the following month.
“I’m very excited to go to Augusta for the first time. I’ve never been,” he said. “I was waiting to win myself that trip before going, and we’ve done that, so we’re going to be very happy to play the Masters in a couple of months.”
As for bettering Woods, Echavarria added: “It’s incredible to win a tournament that Tiger’s won. This is my second victory, so I just need 80 more victories to catch him. I’m on my way, though.”
Indeed, as well as his 15 major titles, Woods is tied with Sam Snead on 82 PGA Tour wins. He has also triumphed 41 times on the European Tour, putting him third on the all-time list.
Only twice has Echavarria graced a major championship. He played the PGA Championship in 2023, failing to make the cut, before finishing tied for 54th at this year’s US Open.
The win in Japan has also secured his place on the PGA Tour for another two years. And he will also be part of the prestigious Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in March.
And he also revealed that despite the time difference, his parents stayed up through the night in Colombia to watch his dramatic win. “They stayed up all night watching the golf and I’m glad they did,” he said. “Very happy and emotional just being able to talk to them because my parents are the reason I play this beautiful sport.”
