Victory for Bateman in Buick Open

Brian Bateman

(Image credit: Getty Images)

American Brian Bateman made birdie down the final hole to avoid a four-way play-off and take the Buick Open title.

The 34-year-old shot a final round of 69 to finish one ahead of Jason Gore, Justin Leonard and Woody Austin. Bateman was ranked 408 in the world before the event and the Buick win gives him a place in next years Masters and moves him into the top 50 of the FedEx Cup rankings.

"I had a lot working against me," Bateman said. "It's been a life-changing week. A life-changing putt."

Paul joined Golf Monthly in 2006 in a junior role and has since worked as senior staff writer and now as technical editor. He writes equipment and instruction content and tests the vast majority of golf clubs that are introduced every year.