FREDERICTON, New Brunswick – David Perkins secured his first PGA TOUR-sanctioned win at the 2025 Explore NB Open after carding a 4-under 67 in the final round to preserve a one-stroke victory at Mactaquac Golf Course.

Perkins, who earned status for the first time on a PGA TOUR-sanctioned Tour in 2024 after getting through PGA TOUR Americas Q-School, finished as the No. 28 player in the 2024 Fortinet Cup to retain status for the 2025 Latin America Swing. After nearly breaking through at the Diners Club Peru Open, where he was the runner-up, Perkins claimed his first title in New Brunswick.

“I don't think it set in yet,” Perkins said after his win. “I'm sure I'll have some emotions later, maybe when I talk to family … I mean, I feel incredible, it feels awesome to get the job done. … It felt great to have another chance right off the bat in Canada and get this one done.”

The Illinois State alum entered the week as the No. 8 player in the Fortinet Cup and moves to the No. 1 spot in the season-long points list after his victory. Perkins joins Ryan Grider and J.M. Butler as players to occupy the No. 1 spot in the Fortinet Cup.

“It's awesome, man, to get it done,” Perkins said after taking over the No. 1 spot in the Fortinet Cup. “Like I said, it's kind of set in now, but you always wonder if you're able to get it done. I know I was able to get in contention a lot if I played well. I had the nerves out there, I had some shaking going on, I had to control it, but it feels amazing, and to be No. 1 in the points is obviously huge. I'm sure it will help me free up when I get into contention again.”

Kinney registered his second top 10 of the season and moves from No. 47 to No. 14 in the Fortinet Cup. Drew Nesbitt also moves into the top 20 for the first time this season, and checks in at No. 18 after a solo third place finish.

Perkins is expected to be in the field next week at the Bromont Open presented by Desjardins at Golf Chateau-Bromont, from July 10-13.

Charting the champion

About David Perkins (first/19 under) 

• Moves into the No. 1 spot in the Fortinet Cup after winning the 2025 Explore NB Open: Perkins finished the Latin America Swing as the No. 8 player in the Fortinet Cup after three top 10s in six starts.
• Perkins’ first win on PGA TOUR Americas comes at the age of 27 years, 0 months, 21 days.
• Three-time winner on the Minor League Golf Tour; in February, won a two-day event at Indian Spring Country Club in Boyton Beach, Florida, with an eagle on the first playoff hole.
• First professional victory came at the 2022 Illinois Open, held at White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, Illinois, just 140 miles from his hometown of Peoria, Illinois.
• Growing up, attended the John Deere Classic with his father; received a sponsor exemption into the 2021 John Deere Classic on his 23rd birthday (June 15, 2021).
• As an amateur, was ranked as high as 32nd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking; finished runner-up at the 2020 Jones Cup behind champion Davis Thompson, and lost to Mac Meissner in a playoff at the 2020 Southern Amateur.
• In five seasons at Illinois State (2016-21), posted 18 top 10s and one victory and was twice named Missouri Valley Conference Golfer of the Year.
• Became a member of a PGA TOUR-sanctioned tour for the first time in 2024 when he finished runner-up to Jay Card III at the mid-season Q-School site in Dothan, Alabama.
• Posted six top 20s, including three top 10s, and finished 28th in the 2024 Fortinet Cup to retain membership through the 2025 Latin America Swing

Competition notes 

Course Setup: Par 71/7,132 yards; R4 average: 69.648
Weather: Sunny with a high of 28 Celsius (82). Wind from the NW at 9-30 km/h with gusts up to 39 Km/h.  

• David Perkins wins his first career PGA TOUR-sanctioned event at the 2025 Explore NB Open after finishing the event at 19-under 265.
• Perkins takes hold of the No. 1 spot in the Fortinet Cup and joins Ryan Grider and J.M. Butler as the third player to hold the spot.
• Two countries were represented in the top five and ties: United States (4) and Canada (1).
• Drew Nesbitt (third/17 under) finished as the low Canadian at the 2025 Explore NB Open.
• Costa Rica’s Paul Chaplet finished as the low Latin after a T18 finish.
• Hole No. 15, the 525-yard par 5, played as the easiest hole on Sunday (-0.574 strokes under par).
• Hole No. 7, the 510-yard par 4, played as the toughest hole at Mactaquac Golf Course on Friday (+0.294 strokes over par).