Hurley sails to first PGA Tour title
Former naval lieutenant Billy Hurley earned his first PGA Tour title Sunday, shooting a final round two-under par 69 to finish at 17 under, three strokes ahead of Vijay Singh.
Local boy Hurley kept cool under pressure to hold off a challenge from Singh and close out with birdies on the 15th and 16th to take his maiden title.
"Billy played well," Singh said. "He's been playing well all week. You can see he's under control and it's nice to see him play well and not lose it actually at the end of the tournament."
Singh finished with a six-under 65, while first round leader Jon Rahm, the former Arizona State star from Spain, concluded his first tournament as a professional with a 70 to tie for third place with Bill Haas at 13 under.
Four time major winner Ernie Els finished fifth at 12 under after an up-and-down round of 72 that featured five bogeys and one double.
"I couldn't think of a better tournament for my first PGA Tour win," said Hurley. "I'm just thrilled to have gotten it done today."
Hurley, who lost his father just 10 months ago, was happy with the change in fortune.
"It's been a hard year," Hurley said. "It's been a really hard year, so it's nice to have something go well."
Latest
-
NewsWATCH: Bryson DeChambeau explains how he’ll approach the Masters
The American plans to be even more aggressive than he was in November.
-
NewsMasters glory would make Rory McIlroy a ‘legend’ – Nick Dougherty
The 31-year-old is bidding to join a select group of players who have claimed all four major titles.
-
NewsPete Cowen tells Rory McIlroy to focus on the future rather than the past
McIlroy would complete a career grand slam with victory at Augusta National.
-
News‘Excited’ Jordan Spieth feels there is more to come after overdue win
The 2015 Masters champion goes into this week’s event at Augusta on the back of victory at the Valero Texas Open.
-
NewsJon Rahm celebrates arrival of baby son on weekend before Masters begins
The Spaniard had previously said he would miss the tournament to be at the birth.
-
NewsAndy North backs Bryson DeChambeau to ‘lap the field’ at Masters
North feels the big-hitting American will get his hands on a green jacket in the future.
-
NewsButch Harmon says Rory McIlroy ‘needs to go back to the basic fundamentals’
McIlroy has employed another renowned golf guru in Pete Cowen to help him iron out the flaws in his game.
-
NewsMasters debutant Joe Long savouring Augusta experience after surfing scare
The Amateur Championship winner suffered a torn muscle while surfing in Cape Town.
-
NewsDustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy fighting for form ahead of Masters return
Johnson is the defending champion.
-
NewsThe main talking points ahead of the Masters at Augusta National
Rory McIlroy faces an uphill task to complete a career grand slam after a loss of form.