Phil Tataurangi earned his first career PGA Tour win after carding a 10-under-par 62 for a one-stroke victory at the Invensys Classic in Las Vegas. The New Zealander, whose career has been hampered by a neck injury, had 10 birdies during a bogey-free day at the TPC at Summerlin for his first victory in 151 career starts.
When Tataurangi finished, a handful of players still had a chance to beat his 90-hole 29-under-par total of 330, but none were able to do so. He was on the practice range when the last group walked off the 18th green. Playing in the final threesome, Jim Furyk needed a birdie at 18 to have any chance of his fourth win in Las Vegas, but he closed with a bogey for a 68 to finish fourth on 27 under on 332.
Jeff Sluman played with Furyk and fourth-round leader David Duval and was in contention before parring the final hole. He shot a 67 and tied Stuart Appleby of Australia for second at 28 under 331. Appleby, who was part of a four-man play-off at the Open, made an incredible charge, playing a six-hole stretch on the back nine in six under.
But he missed a 10-foot birdie putt at the 18th for a 66. Duval, seeking his first title since last year's Open, followed a season-best 63 with a 71 and tied Charles Howell III and Dan Forsman for sixth at 334, a stroke behind Rory Sabbatini of South Africa.
Invensys Classic – Final Round Scores:
1st – Phil Tataurangi 29 Under-par
2nd – Stuart Appleby 28 Under-par
2nd – Jeff Sluman 28 Under-par
4th – Jim Furyk 27 Under-par
5th – Rory Sabbatini 26 Under-par
6th – Dan Forsman 25 Under-par
Filed by James Shortt
