Garcia ends US Tour drought

Sergio Garcia paid tribute to the event’s host after parring the first extra hole to win the Byron Nelson Championship in a three-way play-off at the Four Seasons TPC in Texas.

“Byron has been a great supporter of the game and it means a lot to win his tournament,” said Garcia, whose victory was witnessed by the 92-year-old legend after whom the tournament is named.

This was the Spaniard’s first victory on the PGA Tour in more than two years and it vindicated the swing change he undertook 18 months ago.

“The swing held up nicely,” said Garcia, who led the field for greens in regulation and may have won quite comfortably if he had putted a little better.

Garcia started the final round with a two-shot advantage but carded a one-over-par 71 to finish tied with Robert Damron (66) and Dudley Hart (67) at 10 under on 270 – one stroke ahead of Tiger Woods, Tim Herron and Duffy Waldorf.

Damron made his move with an eagle at the par-four 15th with a seven-iron from 172 yards.

Hart closed strongly with three birdies in the final five holes but combined with Damron to hand Garcia the title.

On the first play-off hole – the par-four 18th – Hart made double-bogey while Damron missed a four-foot par putt, leaving Garcia to tap in for his fourth PGA Tour victory.