Stadler finally tastes success
Kevin Stadler can finally call himself a PGA Tour winner after securing the Phoenix Open crown at TPC Scottsdale.
The American started the day two shots behind overnight leader and playing partner Bubba Watson, but he returned a three-under-par 68 to finish with a 16-under 268, one shot ahead of Watson and Graham DeLaet.
Stadler was on fire early on as he made three birdies in his opening three holes and picked up another shot at the nine for an out 31, but he was pegged back by a double bogey at the 11th before he settled the nerves with a birdie at 17.
Watson had a chance to force a play-off, but he bogeyed the 18th to finish with a level-par 71.
“It wasn’t pretty,” Stadler told Golf Channel. “I was walking all over the shop. I hit a lot of good shots and a lot of kind of ugly shots but thankfully it all worked out.
“It feels fantastic. Obviously I would have liked to make that (birdie) putt there (on 18) and win that way but it’s been a long time coming, so I’ll take it any way I can get it.”
Canadian DeLaet was tied second after an excellent fourth-round 65 with seven birdies and one bogey.
Hunter Mahan and Hideki Matsuyama were at 14 under, one shot ahead of Brendan Steele, Ryan Moore and Charles Howell III.
Defending champion and five-time major winner Phil Mickelson was tied 42nd after a level-par left him at three under for the tournament.
Latest
-
NewsRory McIlroy flying high after opening round of US Open at Winged Foot
The Northern Irishman is two shots behind leader Justin Thomas, who shot a five-under-par 65 at Winged Foot.
-
NewsA little more relaxation brings a little more action for Rory McIlroy at US Open
The Northern Irishman shot 67 on the opening day to sit two behind clubhouse leader Justin Thomas.
-
NewsPrayers answered for Rory McIlroy as US Open hopeful makes speedy start
The Northern Irishman is two shots off the lead after an opening 67 at Winged Foot.
-
NewsRory McIlroy makes strong start at US Open
The Northern Irishman is bidding to claim a first major title since the 2014 US PGA Championship.
-
NewsWATCH: Tiger, Rory, Rahm and DJ on what makes Winged Foot so difficult
Golf’s big buns give their thoughts on the tough test that lies ahead at the US Open.
-
NewsWATCH: Social media star pays tribute to Mickelson with special US Open song
Take a listen to the most heartfelt and emotional song about Phil Mickelson ever created.
-
News5 talking points ahead of the 120th US Open
We look at five talking points ahead of the year’s second major championship
-
NewsAll eyes on USGA when the 120th US Open gets under way at Winged Foot
The fact that last year’s championship took place without controversy over the set up of the course was a welcome relief for the organisation.
-
US OpenTiger Woods ranks Winged Foot as one of the most difficult courses ever
Tiger Woods is under no illusions as to the challenges facing the field when the US Open tees off at Winged Foot on Thursday.
-
NewsOn This Day in 2004: US power couple Phil and Tiger tamed by Europe at Ryder Cup
Woods and Mickelson were ranked second and fourth in the world respectively but Montgomerie and Harrington bested them.