Monday 14 July 2014 11:37, UK
Brian Harman completed his first PGA Tour victory at the John Deere Classic, a result that earns him the last place in the Open Championship field at Hoylake.
Harman, in his 88th start, turned an overnight one-shot lead into a one-shot victory thanks to a five-under 66 in the final round.
The left-hander from Georgia eagled the par-five second hole to settle any early nerves and also picked up five birdies, including three in a row from the 14th on the way to closing out the title with a 22-under-par total.
Harman will now head to Liverpool on a special charter flight buoyed by the success.
"This win gave me a lot of confidence," Harman said.
"I brought my passport and a couple of jackets. I can't wait to get on that plane."
Zach Johnson, the 2012 champion, had set the clubhouse target at 21 under with a best-of-the-day 64, but had to settle for second place.
"I'm very pleased with the effort," Johnson said. "I don't want to say it was perfect but it was close. I had a great day even though it comes up short."
Jerry Kelly (66) and Jhonattan Vegas (65) shared third place a stroke further back, while Steve Stricker - who won a hat-trick of titles at this event from 2009-2011 and was playing in the final group with Harman - could manage only a one-over 72 to slip back to 15-under overall.
