American Chez Reavie overcame an early wobble to card a final round 70 and clinch his maiden PGA Tour title with a three-shot victory at the Canadian Open on Monday.
Reavie, who had had just one top-30 finish in 21 starts during a tough rookie season, began the final round with a one-shot lead over compatriot Anthony Kim.
He bogeyed two of his three opening holes but grimly fought back to seal victory with a birdie at the last for a 17-under 267 winning total.
Journeyman Billy Mayfair, bidding for his first PGA Tour win in a decade, started the day five behind the leader and had cut the deficit to two with two to play.
But he could get no closer, signing for a three-under 68 to finish alone in second on 14 under.
Americans Sean O'Hair (68) and Steve Marino (70) were one shot further adrift on 271.
Kim, chasing his third PGA title of the season, stayed in contention until a back-nine collapse with bogeys at 11, 17 and 18 dropped him back to 11 under.
"I didn't feel comfortable until I hit my third shot on the green on 18," Reavie told reporters. "That's when I relaxed and said, okay, I've got it."
Forced back
Reavie had to work overtime to get his win, the PGA Tour rookie forced back early to Glen Abbey on Sunday morning to play the final two holes of his weather-hit third round.
He carded a birdie at the par-five 18th to claim his one- stroke advantage.
When final round play got underway the lead quickly disappeared with bogeys at the first and third.
But the 26-year-old steadied himself, picking up shots at four, nine and 10.
"I was actually surprised at how calm I was out there today," Reavie said. "Obviously, that was my goal, but I had never been in that situation, so I didn't know what to expect.
"I just managed to stay patient. I never pressed. Even when I made two bogeys early, I just kept with my game plan."
The $900,000 winner's cheque more than doubled Reavie's career earnings and clinched him an invitation to the U.S. Masters and a spot in next month's PGA championship at Oakland Hills.
Local hope Mike Weir, bidding to become the first Canadian in 54
years to lift the national title, finished one shot further back in
a tie for fifth but ignited the home crowd with a late charge
including birdies on two of his three final holes.
