Sweden's Fredrik Jacobson secured his first PGA Tour title by winning the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Connecticut by a single shot from Ryan Moore and John Rollins of the USA.
The Swede, who has won three times on the European Tour, joined the PGA Tour eight years ago and this was the first time he has lofted a trophy on the circuit.
"I've been on the board, I've been asked so many times by the kids, 'Did you get a trophy this week daddy? Did you get a trophy this week?'" he said. "So, I'm excited about that."
Jacobson closed with a solid 66 to finish on an incredible 20-under-par - two shy of the tournament record, even still he had to fend off stiff competition from a group of charging Americans.
Michael Thompson started his final round with a bogey and, at that stage, was playing for one of the minor placings. But he went on an incredible streak from the 4th hole, making nine birdies to post a closing round of 62 and a clubhouse total of 18-under. It would eventually be good enough for fourth place.
John Rollins also finished strongly with four birdies in a row from the 11th, then a closing birdie at the 18th to move one clear of Thompson on 19-under-par.
What Ryan Moore would have given for that three at the 72nd hole? He had moved to 20-under with a birdie two at the 16th but found sand from the tee and again with his approach on the final hole. He blasted out well but then missed from four feet to record a closing bogey and to drop back into a tie with Rollins.
"I'm not going to beat myself up over that putt," he said. "That happens in golf. When you shoot 63 in the final round there's not a whole lot to complain about."
As it turned out, the missed putt was crucial though as Jacobson made a regulation par down the home hole to win by one stroke. The victory has lifted the Swede to 18th in the FedEx Cup points race. He became the eighth first time winner on the PGA Tour so far this season.
Travelers Championship TPC River Highlands, Connecticut June 23-26, purse $6,000,000, par 70
1 Fredrik Jacobson (Swe) 65 66 63 66 260 $1,080,000 T2 Ryan Moore (USA) 64 70 64 63 261 $528,000 T2 John Rollins (USA) 65 68 65 63 261 $528,000 4 Michael Thompson (USA) 67 65 68 62 262 $288,000 5 James Driscoll (USA) 69 64 64 67 264 $240,000 T6 Bryce Molder (USA) 65 65 64 70 265 $201,000 T6 Andres Romero (Arg) 64 67 67 67 265 $201,000 T6 Kevin Streelman (USA) 66 70 63 66 265 $201,000 T9 Blake Adams (USA) 66 66 66 68 266 $156,000 T9 Brian Davis (Eng) 65 67 68 66 266 $156,000 T9 Tom Gillis (USA) 66 69 66 65 266 $156,000 T9 John Merrick (USA) 67 66 66 67 266 $156,000
Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage only Where next? European Tour: Larrazabal wins BMW International Open
