American Express: Sepp Straka calms nerves to beat Justin Thomas
Sepp Straka overcame some late jitters to win the American Express in La Quinta, Calif., for his third PGA Tour title.
The Austrian shot a two-under-par 70 in the final round, two strokes ahead of American Justin Thomas.
The European Ryder Cup player held a four-shot lead on the final day but came under pressure when the American shot five on the front nine.
But the former world number one – and a two-time major champion – managed just one birdie on the back nine, meaning Straka held on despite two late fumbles Come down.
“Nervous, totally nervous,” said Straka, who had not made a bogey in the tournament until Sunday’s 16th hole.
“The whole nine stomachs were in knots. So I’m really excited about how I handled the stress.”
American Justin Lore and Australian Jason Day were tied for third at 22 under, with Americans Charlie Hoffman and Patrick Cantlay two strokes behind.
