Laird leaves Las Vegas ranked higher, richer and stronger

• Last Updated: October 19. 2009 9:51PM UAE / October 19. 2009 5:51PM GMT

Martin Laird of Britain beat American George McNeill on the third play-off hole to claim his first PGA Tour victory at the Las Vegas Open on Sunday.

Laird, who began the day outside the top 125 on the money list – and in desperate need of good result to secure his playing card for next season – clinched the title with a par on the 18th while McNeill bogeyed the hole.

Chad Campbell was eliminated after the second play-off hole, the par three 17th at the TPC Summerlin layout. Laird earned US$756,000 (Dh2.78million) for the win and secured a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

Laird, who had made the cut in just 10 of his previous 22 starts this season, fired a final-round three-under 68 to join McNeill (67) and Campbell (69) on 19-under 265.

Three-times Las Vegas winner Jim Furyk had the round of the day carding a flawless nine-under 62 to just miss out on joining the play-off by one stroke.

Furyk, playing his first event since helping the US to victory at the Presidents Cup, surged into contention with a sizzling last nine that featured six birdies. Jeff Klauk shot a 68 to join Furyk on 18-under 266.

Las Vegas resident Scott Piercy, who shared the overnight lead with Campbell, tumbled down the leaderboard with double-bogeys at 17 and 18, leaving him with a final- round two-over 73 and tied for 14th on 15-under 269.

Laird was naturally a tensed and edgy man on Sunday. “The most nervous I was the first few holes starting out, and then coming in there I was amazed how calm I was coming down the stretch,” said Laird.

“I had two great shots on 17, and I was determined not to let a good swing cost me the tournament on bogey, and obviously making the putt on 18 was big.”

* Reuters