Golf:Martin Laird beat George McNeill on the third play-off hole to claim his first PGA Tour victory at the Las Vegas Open last night.
Laird, who began they day outside the top 125 on the money list and in desperate need of good result to secure his playing card for next season, clinched the title with a par on the 18th while McNeill bogeyed the hole.
Chad Campbell was eliminated after the second playoff hole, the par three 17th at the TPC Summerlin layout.
Laird earned over €500,000 for the win and secured a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.
Laird, who had made the cut in just 10 of his previous 22 starts this season, fired a final round three-under 68 to join McNeill (67) and Campbell (69) on 19-under 265.
Three-time Las Vegas winner Jim Furyk had the round of the day carding a flawless nine-under 62 to just miss out on joining the play-off by one stroke.
Furyk, playing his first event since helping the US to victory at the Presidents Cup, surged into contention with a sizzling last nine that featured six birdies. Jeff Klauk shot a 68 to join Furyk on 18-under 266.
Las Vegas resident Scott Piercy, who shared the overnight lead with Campbell, tumbled down the leaderboard with double-bogeys at 17 and 18, leaving him with a final round two-over 73 and tied for 14th on 15-under 269.
