O'Hair claims Classic

ByReuters

Published 10/07/2005 at 22:26 GMT

American Sean O'Hair, who was pushed, prodded and bullied to become a professional golfer by his father, claimed a one-shot victory at the John Deere Classic on Sunday in Silvis, Illinois for his maiden U.S. PGA Tour win and a British Open berth.

Eurosport

Image credit: Eurosport

O'Hair, who will turn 23 on Monday, fired a flawless final round six-under 65 to finish on 16-under 268 at the sun-drenched TPC at Deere Run to earn a place at next week's British Open as the top non-exempt finisher.

Americans Hank Kuehne (68) and Robert Damron (67) finished one shot back at 15-under 269 with compatriot Wes Short Jr. (66), overnight leader JL Lewis (72) and defending champion Mark Hensby (64) of Australia one stroke further adrift.

A PGA Tour rookie, O'Hair holed a nervy 5-foot par putt on the last and then watched from the scorer's hut as Lewis collapsed over the final two holes.

Golf

Lewis moves three clear at John Deere Classic

09/07/2005 at 19:45

Lewis, who held a three-shot advantage when the day began, was tied for the lead with two holes to play but a bogey-bogey finish left the 1999 winner with a one-over 72.

Kuehne had a chance to force a playoff but his 20-foot putt from just off the green fell short.

"Going into the week I was lost, I didn't feel comfortable with my swing," said O'Hair, whose only notoriety had been an overbearing father who made his son run a mile for every bogey he made during his drive to become a professional golfer.

"I went to book store and bought books I was so lost.

"I thought of something, worked on it in hotel room, went out and hit the ball pretty well.

"I would love to go (to the British Open), my family and I have got some decisions to make."

If O'Hair turns down the invitation the spot will go to Germany's Bernhard Langer.

Hensby mounted a determined final day charge, his 64 including five birdies in his first seven holes.

Todd Hamilton will head to St Andrews for the defence of his British Open crown on a positive note, returning a final round three-under 68 to post his best result this season in a tie for 13th at 11-under 273.

Golf

15-year-old Wie looks to make cut

08/07/2005 at 19:17

Golf

Wie on target to make the cut

08/07/2005 at 07:49

Masters

Scheffler says golf 'fourth in line' after clinching second Masters title

15/04/2024 at 08:52

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me