PGA win earns DeChambeau Open berth

Bryson DeChambeau has stormed home to win the John Deere Classic while Australian Cameron Percy tied for 12th, five shots behind the winner.

Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau has won the John Deere Classic and earned a spot in next week's British Open. (AAP)

Physics major Bryson DeChambeau has won the John Deere Classic in Illinois by one stroke to earn a spot in next week's British Open.

DeChambeau, a former amateur champion, sank a 14-foot birdie at the final hole on Sunday to clinch his first PGA Tour victory.

He carded 65 and finished at 18-under-par 266 at TPC Deere Run, one stroke ahead of fellow American Patrick Rodgers, who bogeyed the par-five 17th.

DeChambeau, 23, is known for his revolutionary approach to the game.

He plays with all of his irons the same length, which he believes is a mechanically superior approach.

Australia's Cameron Percy continued his hot trot in the tournament, shooting an impressive final round four-under-par 67 to finish tied 12th, five shots off DeChambeau.

The Victorian was the highest placed Australian after finishing with rounds of 69, 69, 66 and 67 for a 13-under total.

Compatriots Greg Chalmers and Stuart Appleby were two behind Percy and both finished tied 25th.

Chalmers was most consistent, shooting 67 on Sunday to go with his earlier rounds of 69, 68 and 69.

Appleby recovered from his opening two-over 73 with mid rounds of 66 and 64 and completed with a solid one-under 70.

But the day belonged to DeChambeau, who overcame a four-stroke deficit and birdied four of the final six holes for his win.

DeChambeau made a 14-foot birdie putt on No. 18 to pull even with Rodgers. Rodgers then had a par putt on No. 17 lip out, and sent his tee shot on 18 into the rough.

Wesley Bryan (64) and Rick Lamb (66) tied for third at 16 under, and past tournament champions Steve Stricker (64) and Zach Johnson (67) topped the group at 15 under.

"I've been working so hard my whole life to try to do this. To have it happen at the John Deere is incredible," DeChambeau told CBS television, with tears in his eyes as the emotions spilled out.

DeChambeau felt the victory justified his decision to eschew tradition with his scientific approach to the game.

"I think that's the true meaning behind what I try and do," he said. "I show everybody there's plenty of ways to do it and I like doing it my way and I feel comfortable doing it my way. Whatever way you want to do it out there, you can do it."


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Source: AAP



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