Golf

Bryson DeChambeau books Open place with win in Illinois

Back-to-back birdies on final two holes sees 23-year-old secure maiden PGA Tour title

Bryson DeChambeau booked his place in the British Open with victory in Illinois. Photograph: Andy Lyons/Getty

Mon Jul 17 2017 - 08:10

Bryson DeChambeau birdied the last two holes to snatch victory at the John Deere Classic in Illinois and seal the last place in the field for next week's Open Championship.

One place at Royal Birkdale was on offer to the highest-placed player not already exempt, and a brilliant six-under-par back-nine 30 saw DeChambeau take it — as well as a first PGA Tour title and a winner’s cheque for 1million US dollars.

Starting the final round four behind leader Patrick Rodgers, the 23-year-old's chances looked slim when he bogeyed the fourth.

However, a birdie from 11 feet on the eighth proved the catalyst for a spectacular inward nine which handed DeChambeau victory with a closing 65, giving him an 18 under total for the week at TPC Deere Run.

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Rodgers, who crucially dropped a fourth shot of the day on the 17th, also had five birdies in a closing 70.

Wesley Bryan (64) and Rick Lamb (66) were tied for third on 16 under.

Ireland's Seamus Power was tied for 25th after finishing with a 67, while English qualifier Sam Horsfield shot a closing 71 to finish down in a share of 55th.

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