Rallying Steele wins Safeway Open

Steele birdied his final three holes to card a seven-under-par 65 for a one-stroke victory at the rain-affected Silverado Country Club in Napa on Sunday.

Published : Oct 17, 2016 08:21 IST

American golfer Brendan Steele clinched the Safeway Open for his first trophy since the 2011 Texas Open.
American golfer Brendan Steele clinched the Safeway Open for his first trophy since the 2011 Texas Open.
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American golfer Brendan Steele clinched the Safeway Open for his first trophy since the 2011 Texas Open.

A birdie-birdie-birdie finish saw Brendan Steele claim the PGA Tour's season-opening Safeway Open in a thrilling finale.

Steele birdied his final three holes to card a seven-under-par 65 for a one-stroke victory at the rain-affected Silverado Country Club in Napa on Sunday.

The two-time PGA Tour champion — who began last year's deciding day with the lead before fading — started the final round four shots adrift of Patton Kizzire but Steele chipped away at the deficit, eventually moving into a share of the lead thanks to an 18-foot birdie at the 17th hole.

The flurry of birdies then gave Steele the clubhouse lead and he was not to be denied from that point as he finished 18 under for the tournament, ahead of fellow American Kizzire, to claim his first trophy since the 2011 Texas Open.

Kizzire had three birdies and a bogey during his final-round 70 after falling short in his quest for a maiden Tour title.

Tied for third at 16 under were Paul Casey (69), Michael Kim (67), Scott Piercy (70) and Johnson Wagner (70).

A stroke further back was Kevin Na, who lost last year's event in a play-off.

Veteran Phil Mickelson (67), Chris Kirk (66), Justin Thomas (67), Cody Gribble (68) and Martin Laird (71) finished level at 14 under.

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