Zurich Classic: Stuard clinches maiden win with playoff victory

Stuard had finished level on 15-under-par with Jamie Lovemark and South Korea’s An Byeong-Hun after officials reduced the tournament in New Orleans to 54 holes following multiple weather interruptions.

The win earned Stuard a cool USD 1.26 million (1.1 million euro) in prize money as well as exemptions to next year’s PGA Tour and the Masters.

Brian Stuard won the weather-disrupted Zurich Classic on Monday, holding his nerve to claim a maiden PGA Tour victory in a three-way playoff.

Stuard had finished level on 15-under-par with Jamie Lovemark and South Korea’s An Byeong-Hun after officials reduced the tournament in New Orleans to 54 holes following multiple weather interruptions.

The 33-year-old from Michigan sealed victory on the second hole of sudden death, playing a superb approach shot on the par-five 18th to leave himself with a two-foot birdie putt.

Lovemark’s hopes faded after his third shot flew off to the side of the green leaving himself a difficult up and down at a sodden TPC Louisiana.

Korea’s An had been eliminated on the first playoff hole after carding a bogey six.

The win earned Stuard a cool USD 1.26 million (1.1 million euro) in prize money as well as exemptions to next year’s PGA Tour and the Masters.

“I’m happy with the way I hung in there,” Stuard said after his win.

“I didn’t play too good this morning. I just kind of hung in there. My short game was awesome, my putter was great.

“Winning this week makes this year and next year easy I guess,” he added.