Harman Corrals First Tour Title


Despite a bogey on the final hole, Brian Harman closed with a 5-under 66 and managed to hold off Zach Johnson to win his first PGA Tour title, the John Deere Classic. The $4.7 million PGA Tour event took place at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.

Over 72 holes, Harman totaled 22-under 262. The victory by the 27-year-old from Georgia was worth $846,000 and 500 FedEx Cup points. Perhaps more importantly, he earns a coveted spot in next week's Open Championship, which starts Thursday at Royal Liverpool in England.

Johnson, who grew up nearby and won the Deere Classic in 2012, fired a seven-birdie 64. A birdie on the last would have forced a sudden-death playoff, but the 38-year-old from Iowa City made a par to finish a stroke short of making it into extra holes.

Tied for third at 19-under 265 were Venezuela's Jhonattan Vegas (65) and 47-year-old Wisconsinite, Jerry Kelly, who also closed with a 65.

Tied for fifth at 18-under were American Scott Brown, who rose up the leaderboard after a third-round 61 but shot a 68 Sunday, and South African Tim Clark (67).

Sharing seventh at 16-under 268 were Bo Van Pelt (65), Ryan Moore (68), Johnson Wagner (68) and defending champion Jordan Spieth, who posted a 67 and 66 over the weekend.

Seeking his fourth career win in the John Deere Classic, Steve Stricker began the day a stroke behind Harman. But the 47-year-old recorded a final-round 72 to drop into a tie for 11th with Aussie Steven Bowditch (68).

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