Worldwide Golf

AUSTRALIAN Jason Day wrapped up his first PGA Tour title in nervy fashion with a two-stroke victory over Brian Gay, Jeff Overton and Blake Adams in the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Texas.

Day nearly withdrew from the tournament after feeling ill prior to teeing off on the Thursday but wound up in the winner’s circle on the Sunday after closing out with a bogey on the 18th. Day found water with his approach shot but was given a reprieve when his closest rival and playing partner Adams also put his in the water after admitting he didn’t see Day’s ball get wet.

Day wound up with bogey to claim the title on 10-under while Adams carded a double to drop into a share of second place.

“To finally come through with a win - I’m just so happy,” said Day. “It’s finally good to just put in the hard work and get the job done. I’m so happy that I had my family and friends in town to see it too.”

Day said a dose of anti-biotics had made him feel queasy prior to the opening round but he played on because of a four-hour rain delay that allowed him to relax and recuperate. He went out and shot a 4-under 66 to take a share of the lead and was in the mix at the top of the leaderboard all week before eventually crossing the finishing line with a 2-over 72. Adams also carded a 72 while Overton posted a 71 to finish on 8-under, Gay also finished on 8-under after carding a best-of-the-day 7-under 63 to shoot up 36 places.

Sixteen-year-old high school student Jordan Spieth made a name for himself on his PGA Tour debut shooting rounds of 68, 69, 67 and 72 for a 4-under total and a share of 16th place. Defending champion Rory Sabbatini finished in a share of 43rd in his attempt to become the first repeat winner of the HP Byron Nelson Championship since Tom Watson won three in a row from 1978-80.