“I’m just proud to be from Alabama.”

Those were the words of Ardmore native Lee Hodges after capturing his first PGA Tour win Sunday.

Hodges, who played golf at Ardmore High School, took home the win at the 3M Open in Blaine, Minn., in a commanding fashion, finishing at 24-under-par. He led all four rounds of the tournament, a first in the event’s history.

“This has been a dream week. I’ve got the best team in the whole world and they work so hard. I couldn’t do it without them,” said Hodges, who played at UAB and transferred to Alabama.

“I hope everybody back home is going insane.”

What’s better than celebrating your first TOUR win?

Sharing it with family back home ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5NQgoorfzd

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 30, 2023

Micky Wolfe, general manager and director of Golf at Canebrake Golf Course, Hodges’ home course in Athens, was thrilled.

“Everyone at Canebrake Club is extremely proud of Lee,” he said. “He has worked hard for this day for a very long time. As his PGA professional, I am overjoyed to have played a small part in it.”.

@Amanda_Balionis this was the reaction @CanebrakeClub in Athens Alabama on Lee Hodges shot on #12! pic.twitter.com/efrxorPISU

— Micky Wolfe (@MickyWolfe) July 30, 2023

Thanks to the win, Hodges earned $1.4 million and an invitation to his first Masters. He now moves from 74th place in the FedEx Cup Standings to 33rd.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.