Berger holds nerve for Memphis win
Rookie of the year for 2014-2015 Daniel Berger held his nerve to register a first PGA victory Sunday, shooting a three-under par 67 to win the FedEx St. Jude classic.
Berger was put under pressure as five-time major winner Mickelson closed to within one shot on the back nine, but responded well with a string of impressive birdie putts to pull clear and win by three shots.
The 23-year old Floridian finished at 13-under par total, three ahead of fellow countrymen Mickelson, Steve Stricker and Brooks Koepka.
Dustin Johnson earlier shot a final round 63 to finish at nine under.
Explaining his coolness under pressure following his maiden tour win, Berger said “I just think having a family with a background in athletics.”
“I’m just a competitor. I got off to a terrible start today and just grinded it out and was able to get some putts to fall. And I’m just thrilled right now.”
Berger’s father Jay was a professional tennis player who once ranked seventh in the world and represented the U.S. twice in the Davis Cup.
The victory saw Berger take home the $1.1 million first prize in his 50th career start and become the 13th first-time winner on the tour this season.
Latest
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama hopes Masters victory can inspire youngsters back home in Japan
Matsuyama became the first Japanese male to win a major at Augusta.
-
NewsJustin Rose relishing packed major schedule after taking positives from Masters
Rose signed for a closing 74 which included a birdie on the 18th.
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama hopes Masters win ‘opens the floodgates’ for Japan
Historic win was seen around the world.
-
NewsJon Rahm ready for baby duties after finishing with a flourish
The new father was left wondering might have been at Augusta on Sunday.
-
NewsMasters day four: Hideki Matsuyama makes history for Japan
Matsuyama became his country’s first male major winner while new dad Jon Rahm produced the round of the day.
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama survives nervy final round to win Masters green jacket
A one-shot win over Will Zalatoris made Matsuyama the first Japanese winner of a men’s major.
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama remains on course for maiden major title at Augusta
Matsuyama steadied the ship after a shaky start to his closing round.
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama enjoying ‘less stressful’ Masters as he eyes landmark moment
The 29-year-old holds a four-shot lead heading into the final round at Augusta.
-
NewsMasters day three: Hideki Matsuyama out in front after weather-affected Saturday
The chasing pack on seven under includes Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele, Marc Leishman and Will Zalatoris.
-
NewsJapan’s Hideki Matsuyama four shots clear headed into final round at Augusta
The 29-year-old completed the first bogey-free round of the week on Saturday.