Brian Stuard wins Zurich Classic of New Orleans to secure first PGA Tour title

02 May 2016 08:23

Brian Stuard recorded his first PGA Tour win at the weather-affected Zurich Classic of New Orleans after a three-way sudden-death play-off.

Some superb work on the greens saw Stuard prevail ahead of fellow American Jamie Lovemark and South Korean Byeong-Hun An after t he event at the TPC Louisiana was shortened to three rounds following several delays due to rain and thunderstorms.

All three players were tied at 15 under in the 54-hole event, meaning a return to the 18th where An was eliminated after he failed to match the routine pars made by the other two players.

Stuard and Lovemark went back to the tee, where Stuard drove his ball a little too far, leaving an awkward lie near a fairway bunker. Lovemark hit a long drive that allowed him to go for the green in two shots but he pulled his approach.

Meanwhile, Stuard's third shot was almost perfect, leaving him within three feet of the hole.

Facing an up-and-down for the birdie he needed to stay in it, Lovemark was unable to get the job done and Stuard made his simple birdie putt to win and break his duck at the 220th time of asking.

Bobby Wyatt finished fourth with a round of 14 under while a shot back were Chris Kirk, Jason Day and Jhonattan Vegas all tied for fifth spot.

Source: PA