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Byrd secures Open spot with win

16/07/2007

American Jonathan Byrd has won the John Deere Classic in Illinois by one shot, making him the final qualifier for this week's Open Championship at Carnoustie.

Byrd grabbed three birdies in the final five holes at the 14th, 16th and 17th to card a final-round 66 – sneaking past overnight leader Nathan Green from Australia, who finished third, and South Africa's Tim Clark.

Clark looked to have given himself a great shot at the title but bogeyed the 17th as Byrd turned on the style at the crucial time.

The South African's approach shot found a bunker 20 yards off the green and after he chipped on, a two-putt forced him to take a bogey at the par four, handing Byrd a one-shot lead on 18-under.

His par at the 18th meant Clark needed to birdie the last but his long-distance putt sailed left to hand the trophy, and a spot at Carnoustie this week, to the American.

On the final day, Troy Matteson also had an excellent round – matching Byrd's five-under-par 66 – which earned him a share of third with Green.

Sweden's Carl Pettersson was the highest finishing European, moving up from a tie for sixth to finish fifth on 14 under par.

American Heath Slocum enjoyed the round of the day – seven birdies and a single bogey earning him a six-under-par 65 to finish tied for sixth with countrymen Kevin Sutherland, Jason Dufner, Jeff Gove and Neal Lancaster.

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