February 28, 2011 – Johnson Wagner, one of the most successful players in MGA history, won his second career PGA Tour event at the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Wagner, who won the 2008 Shell Houston Open in his rookie season on the PGA Tour, shot a bogey-free final-round 67. Wagner’s par putt on the 18th hole forced a playoff with Spencer Levin, who was the clubhouse leader at 17-under 267. Full results

Levin found himself in trouble off the tee on the first playoff hole, the 18th, with Wagner finding the middle of the fairway. Hitting his approach shot safely on, Wagner was able to two-putt his way to victory. “I haven't really had time to think about it, but I'm just beside myself excited,” said Wagner, who spent much of his childhood in Garrison, N.Y., and caddied at Hudson National Golf Club. “I've been working really hard, and it's just nice to see stuff pay off when you work hard. It makes you want to work even harder.”

Wagner is a five-time MGA major winner and the namesake of the “Wagner Slam,” coined after he became the first (and only) player to win all three MGA majors in one calendar year. He won back-to-back Met Amateurs and Met Opens in 2001 (as an amateur) and 2002, as well as the 2002 Ike. Wagner’s second Met Amateur victory took place at Piping Rock, the site of this year’s 109th installment of the historic event.

Besides the $666,000 paycheck and 250 FedEx Cup points, the victory is even more meaningful for Wagner as it earns him a two-year exemption on the Tour and access to more events in 2011, including The Players Championship. Wagner becomes the first Met Area native to win twice on the PGA Tour since former Elmwood head professional Don Massengale won the 1966 Bing Crosby and Canadian Open.