Turnesa hits jackpot in Vegas

Marc Turnesa fired a four-under-par 68 last night to clinch the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas.

Turnesa finished at 25-under 263 to record the first PGA Tour victory of his career.

Matt Kuchar was second, a stroke back at 24-under after a closing 67.

Chad Campbell, John Mallinger and Michael Allen tied for third, three shots behind Turnesa, who comes from a successful golf family. His late grandfather Michael won six PGA tour events and his great uncle Joe had 15 tour titles to his credit.

Turnesa joined his relatives as PGA Tour winners - and moved from 138th to 75th on the money list - with a round that included six birdies and two bogeys.

"It means a lot," he said. "I don't really feel like I'm carrying on a name. I guess I am without even thinking about it.

"I'm just trying to play golf as best I can, and that's all I can really do.

"To win this golf tournament means a lot, especially after coming up short a few weeks ago. It's been a great week and it's a great tournament and a great golf course. I'll be back."

Turnesa had four of his birdies on the back nine and had a two-stroke lead as he teed off on the 18th.

He played it safe and bogeyed the hole, but was able to join a list of players who have recorded their first career PGA Tour win at this event that includes Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk.

"I know I'll be playing on the PGA Tour for two more years, so I'm excited about that," Turnesa said. "To be honest with you, that's been weighing on me more than anything, is not having a job out here and the uncertainty.

"I don't know how it'll change my career or if it will at all. But it's just nice to have a little bit of cushion because it's something I've never had before."

Kuchar fired five birdies in a bogey-free 67 but could only manage the second runner-up finish of his career.