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Rookie Matteson wins in Las Vegas

16/10/2006

American rookie Troy Matteson has secured his maiden PGA Tour title with victory at the Frys.com Open in Las Vegas.

The 26-year-old from Florida carded a closing-round 69 to finish on 22-under-par overall, one shot clear of fellow American Ben Crane and Swedish ace Daniel Chopra.

Matteson, who only turned pro in 2003, had his brother James caddying and he admitted this greatly contributed to his success.

"Nobody can really calm you like family, like your brother," he said. "We really have a bond; it's always going to be there. He just kept talking to me, keeping me relaxed and telling me things he's been telling me my whole life."

The win secures Matteson $720,000 (£387,000) in prize money and a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

"It's an unbelievable feeling," he admitted. "I don't really think it's hit me yet. It will probably hit me sometime tomorrow. I didn't picture myself winning an event this year."

Third-round leader Charley Hoffman slipped to fifth place after a disastrous final-round 71 ended his hopes.

US-based Briton Greg Owen shot another solid 68 as he finished on 15 under overall and in a share of 16th.

Fellow Brits Brian Davis had failed to make the cut while David Howell, who carded a superb second-round 65 to make the weekend, had to retire before the final day's play after suffering from acute shoulder pain.

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