Rookie Turnesa strikes in Vegas

Golf :  PGA rookie Marc Turnesa held his nerve to claim his first tour victory at the Las Vegas Open yesterday.

Golf:  PGA rookie Marc Turnesa held his nerve to claim his first tour victory at the Las Vegas Open yesterday.

Turnesa finished on 25-under-par after producing a final round of 68 to win by one shot from Matt Kuchar.
   
The 30-year-old Turnesa comes from a noted golf family with his late grandfather Michael having won six PGA tour events and his great-uncle Joe claiming 15 tour titles.
   
Chad Campbell, John Mallinger and Michael Allen tied for third place, three shots behind Turnesa who made six birdies and two bogeys, one when he was playing safe with a two-shot lead on the 18th.
   
Turnesa's delight was mixed with relief after he had led at the Viking Classic last month only to miss out in a playoff.
   
"To win this golf tournament means a lot, especially after coming up short a few weeks ago," he said.
   
"I don't really feel like I'm carrying on a name but I guess I am without even thinking about it. I'm just trying to play golf as best I can, and that's all I can really do," he added.
   
Turnesa only joined the Nationwide Tour last year after grafting away in the third level Gateway Tour since turning professional in 2001.
 
The victory gives Turnesa a two-year exemption from needing to qualify for the tour.
   
"I know I'll be playing on the PGA Tour for two more years, so I'm excited about that. To be honest with you, that's been weighing on me more than anything - not having a job out here and the uncertainty.
   
"I don't know how it'll change my career or if it will at all. But it's just nice to have a little bit of cushion because it's something I've never had before," he said.
   
Kuchar was bogey-free in his five-under round and despite finishing runner-up he was delighted with his week, especially after failing to make the cut in his last seven tournaments.
   
"I'm awfully pleased, to make five birdies and no bogeys on a Sunday with the wind blowing and the pins placed as they were, that is satisfying. I played a great four rounds this week and am really pleased".