This week's winners and losers from the golf world

There were great stories this week on the links. A 41-year-old won his third career title, a firefighter will play in two majors next season, and a three-peat opportunity fell short.

Here are this week's winners and losers from the world of golf.

Winners:

Matt Parziale

The Massachusetts firefighter claimed the U.S. Mid-Amateur Friday, knocking off Josh Nichols 8 and 6 at Capital City Golf Club's Crabapple Course. The victory gives the 30-year-old an invitation into next year's Masters and 118th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.

"I was really just trying to take it one hole at a time," Parziale told usga.org. "I know that’s what everyone says, but that’s what I did today."

Pat Perez

Prior to the 2016 CIMB Classic, Pat Perez had two career PGA Tour titles to his name, and was playing on a medical extension after undergoing shoulder surgery. On Sunday, Perez capped a brilliant week in Malaysia, firing four rounds in the 60s to win the CIMB Classic by four shots over Keegan Bradley.

"I can't explain it," Perez told the Golf Channel after his third career win. "It's been just a lot of work, and a lot of dedication, and it's all come together."

Grayson Murray

Murray didn't even come close to winning in Malaysia, but his week was absolutely entertaining. After an opening-round 82 - which included a pair of 7s on the scorecard - Murray shot a 74 on Friday, 64 on Saturday, and 73 on Sunday to conclude the roller-coaster week. Murray also showed off his arm in the second round, when he launched his ball into the water in frustration.

Losers:

Justin Thomas

Thomas arrived at TPC Kuala Lumpur eyeing a third straight CIMB Classic win, but struggled out of the blocks Thursday and was never a factor. Thomas fired rounds of 70-71-69-67 to tie for 17th place, and cited fatigue for the lackluster performance.

"I was definitely low on gas. It's been a great but long year, for sure," Thomas told the Golf Channel. "I really played well the last two days, which was nice to see. I just didn't make enough putts and didn't capitalize on enough opportunities to have a really good finish. But I did the best I could, so that's all I could ask for."

Ross Fisher

One week after finishing second to Tyrrell Hatton, Fisher had to watch Hatton race by him en route to another victory. Hatton torched the back nine Sunday at the Italian Open, draining a putt on the 72nd hole to hand Fisher another runner-up result.