Donald edged out by Daly

Britain’s Luke Donald lost out in a three-way play-off at the Buick Invitational as John Daly won his first title since the 1995 British Open.

Big-hitting Daly birdied the first extra hole to beat his fellow American Chris Riley and Donald.

Daly had played the final day in three over par, to finish in the group of three on aggregate 10-under-par 278, and he looked to be blowing his chances of triumphing – with form deserting him.

Donald and Riley had carded three-under-par 69s and were the form players of the trio.

But Daly’s third shot to the par-five 18th – from a greenside bunker - finished just inches from the hole and he made birdie while his opponents could only achieve par as they missed putts from within six feet of the hole.

A favourite of golf fans for his booming drives, Daly erased nearly a decade of personal torment by claiming his fifth career title.

Throughout his roller-coaster career, Daly has battled alcohol and weight problems.

For his win, Daly collected (€680,500) – more than any single-season total during his 13-year career.

There was a six-way tie for fourth place, with Thomas Bjorn, Shigeki Maruyama, Phil Mickelson, Jesper Parnevik, Bo Van Pelt and Duffy Waldorf just one shot behind the leading trio.

Tiger Woods carded a final-round 69 and was in a group of six sharing 10th place.