Argentina's Angel Cabrera claimed his first non-major victory on US soil but hearts went out to runner-up George McNeil at the Greenbrier Classic.
The 44-year-old Cabrera shot a second-straight six-under 64 to finish at 16-under 264 and win by two strokes from McNeill who blazed home with a closing 61 including a hole-in-one at the eighth.
But any elation McNeil felt at his spectacular charge would have been quickly lost.
Golf Channel reported that his older sister, Michele McNeill, died of cancer Sunday morning and the player was informed after his round was over.
"Golf doesn't really mean a whole lot," McNeill told reporters. "So it's hard."
Cabrera's two previous wins in the US were both in major championships - the 2009 Masters and 2007 US Open.
He also came agonisingly close to victory at last year's Masters, missing out in a sudden-death playoff to Australia's Adam Scott.
"This was a great opportunity," Cabrera said through an interpreter. "I wanted it. I needed to win a tournament. I felt under control today out there, and I didn't want to let it get away from me."
Cabrera entered Sunday's final round at The Old White Course at the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, Virginia, two shots adrift of third round leader Billy Hurley.
His round included an eagle on the par-four 13th and six birdies.
Cabrera has a reputation of doing well in majors but not regular tour events.
He has just three wins on the European Tour, with his most recent being the 2005 BMW Championship.
Webb Simpson shot a seven-under 63 and he ended alone in third at 10-under 270.
Bud Cauley had a hole-in-one on the 18th en route to a six-under 64 and ended in a share of fourth place at nine under with Chris Stroud (69), Hurley (73), Brendon Todd (66), Keegan Bradley (66), Cameron Tringale (69) and Will Wilcox (69).
Robert Allenby was the leading Australian in a tie for 26th at five under after a 70.
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