Funk claims title after birdie blitz

Fred Funk entered the final round of the Southern Farm Bureau Classic with a one-stroke lead and, thanks to a birdie on the final hole, that is how he ended it.

Funk birdied the par-five 18th to cap a six-under-par 66 and edge Ryan Palmer by one stroke to claim his first title for six years.

The 48-year-old had seven birdies, including three in the final four holes, and one bogey to finish at 22 under on 266.

Funk, who entered the event 40th on the money list, had not won a tournament since winning here in 1998 when it was known as the Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic.

He birdied the third, fifth, seventh, 11th, 15th, 16th and 18th, with his only hiccup occurring at the eighth.

Palmer, 28, who has never won a PGA event, fired an eight-under 64 and birdied an astonishing 10 holes, including every even numbered hole from six to 18, but also bogeyed 13 and 15.

Four golfers finished two strokes back at 20 under – Kevin Na, JJ Henry, Loren Roberts and Glen Day, who shot a nine-under 63.

Day, who began the fourth round tied for 18th, had seven birdies and an eagle in a bogey-free round.