Jim Knous of Englewood seems to have taken a liking to the San Juan Open.
On Sunday, the Colorado School of Mines graduate won the tournament at San Juan Country Club in Farmington, N.M., for the second consecutive year. That makes him just the second back-to-back champion since 1989, joining Brian Kortan, who won three straight from 2001-03.
In fact, Knous led the tournament wire-to-wire this year, finishing with a 23-under-par 261 total to prevail by six over Sam Saunders of Albuquerque. The Coloradan carded rounds of 64-66-67-64.
“Wins like this really help my confidence,” Knous told the Albuquerque Journal.
Nick Mason of Denver closed with a 10-under-par 61, tying the tournament record despite a bogey on the final hole. He birdied seven consecutive holes during the round, eventually tying for fourth place overall with fellow Coloradan Andy Connell.
