Todd Secures Maiden Victory


Brendon Todd closed with a stellar 4-under 66 to win the Byron Nelson Championship by two. The $6.9 million PGA Tour event took place at TPC-Four Seasons Resort in Irving, Texas.

The 28-year-old Todd carded four birdies and 14 pars to finish 72 holes at 14-under 266, two strokes ahead of a resurgent Mike Weir, who posted his second straight 67 on the weekend.

The victory was Todd's first Tour title in 177 starts. The win was worth $1.242 million, 500 FedEx Cup points and, most importantly for the Pittsburgh native, a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

During a brief interview beside the 18th green, Todd sounded thrilled - and relieved. "Feels amazing," he said. "It's been a tough career with a lot of ups and downs, so it feels great."

Seeking his first Tour victory since the 2007 Frys Electronics Open, the 44-year-old Weir recorded six birdies and three bogeys. Though he didn't catch Todd - who began Sunday tied for the lead with Louis Oosthuizen, Weir secured his highest finish since 2010 before he had elbow surgery that temporarily derailed his career.

After his 67 on Saturday, Weir said, "That's what I've been working toward the last few years, to get myself back here in this position." Mission accomplished for diminutive left-hander from Ontario.

Four strokes behind Todd in a tie for third were Charles Howell III (67) and Aussie Marc Leishman (68), while five back were Boo Weekley (68) and James Hahn (70).

Dustin Johnson rose into a tie for seventh at 8-under 272 thanks to a 66. Also at that number were Matt Kuchar (68), Canada's Graham DeLaet (70) and Gary Woodland (71).

Oosthuizen had a disappointing Sunday, needing 10 strokes more than his wonderful 64 on Saturday. His 74 dropped the South African into a tie for 11th with Aussie John Senden (66), Charlie Beljan (67), Shawn Stefani (67) and Charl Shwartzel (67).

Scottie Scheffler got the attention of the golf world this week by making the cut and carding rounds of 69 and 68 over the weekend. The 17-year-old amateur from Dallas ended up sharing 22nd at 4-under 276. The teenager, who has a scholarship offer from the University of Texas, was aided during the Byron Nelson by his sister Callie, who served as his caddie.

Another Dallas youngster who made his pro debut in the Nelson, Jordan Spieth, didn't fare quite so well as Scheffler. The 20-year-old Speith, the Tour's reigning Rookie of the Year who's currently ranked eighth in the world, rebounded from a third-round 73 with a 68, but he finished at 2-under 278 and tied for 37th.

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