Reuters - Local favourite Billy Hurley III has claimed his first US PGA Tour title with a three-stroke victory from 53-year-old Vijay Singh in the National tournament in Bethesda, Maryland.
The 34-year-old American, a US Naval Academy graduate who calls nearby Annapolis his home, never relinquished his overnight lead as he closed with a two-under-par 69 at Congressional in the event hosted by Tiger Woods.
One stroke in front with four holes to play, Hurley chipped in from 35 yards to birdie the par-four 15th, and then sank a 27-footer at the par-five 16th to forge three ahead on the way to a 17-under total of 267.
Former world No.1 Singh, a three-time major champion seeking his first PGA Tour win in eight years, fired a best-of-the-day 65 to finish second.
American Bill Haas (68) and Spaniard Jon Rahm (70) were a further stroke back in a tie for third.
Aaron Baddeley was the leading Australian in a tie for 12th after a 71 left him 11 shots behind Hurley, while John Senden tied 29th, Marc Leishman (72) tied 39th and Rod Pampling (70) tied 44th.
Hurley collected a $US1,242,000 ($A1.67 million) first-place prize and a spot in the British Open. He had never finished higher than a tie for fourth in a PGA Tour event.
He celebrated on the 18th green with wife Heather, daughter Madison and sons Will and Jacob. His children held miniature American flags as they watched their father reach a high point in his career.
"I couldn't think of a better tournament for my first PGA Tour win," Hurley said. "I'm just thrilled to have gotten it done today."
Hurley also had his father on his mind, 10 months after he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He thought of his dad, a police officer, when he saw officers following his group Saturday.
"It's been a hard year," Hurley said Sunday. "It's been a really hard year, so it's nice to have something go well."
Hurley maintained his focus in the final round with Woods watching in his trademark Sunday red and with galleries full of fans supporting the local boy who grew up in Leesburg, Virginia, and proudly sports Navy coloors including a club head cover of the academy's goat mascot.
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