A gutsy comeback from Aaron Baddeley was not enough to prevent Peter Malnati from firing a final round five-under-par 67 to snatch his first PGA victory of his career at the weather-disrupted Sanderson Farms Championship on Monday.
After a front nine which included four birdies and two bogeys, Malnati produced an error-free performance down the stretch, reeling off three birdies and no bogeys, to finish one clear of David Toms and William McGirt at the Jackson, Mississippi, layout.
Baddeley, who was earlier eight shots off the pace, clawed his way back into contention with a final round 68 for a 16-under 272 total - finishing two shots off the winner and tied fourth.
"I played very solid today, I think I only missed two fairways and two greens," said Baddeley, who lost his full tour status at the end of last season.
"I hit a great putt there on 17 that didn't go in and it was just the two shots into the par 5s, (No.11 and No.14) if I capitalised on those two really good tee shots it would have made a difference."
Victory completed a dream return to the PGA Tour for Malnati, who played on the junior Web.com Tour last season after finishing 178th in the Fedex points list in 2014.
After finishing fourth on the Web.com money list, he said he finally felt like he belonged on the tour.
"This year I don't feel like I'm out here as a surprise," Malnati said after his win.
"I feel like I'm out here and I belong to be out here. Two years ago I was just so wrapped up in being on the Tour and enjoying it all. This year it feels like business."
It was a disappointing finish for overnight leader Roberto Castro. Castro had started the day one shot clear of the field after seeing a healthy lead evaporate with a three-over-par 75 on Sunday.
Castro, who had shot a 10-under-par 62 on the opening day, was unable to overhaul Malnati, firing a final round 68 to finish two shots off the lead on 272 along with Baddeley, Patton Kizzire, Bryce Molder and Jhonattan Vegas.
Australian Cameron Percy shot a final round two-under par 70 and his 12-under in the tournament tied him for 15th.
The tournament finished on Monday after heavy rain and lightning lashed the course on Friday and Saturday, forcing several lengthy delays.
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