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.