Austin Eckroat held off the chasing pack – including Ireland’s Shane Lowry and England’s David Skinns – to win his first PGA Tour title Monday at the rain-delayed Cognizant Classic.
The 25-year-old American was 15 under after seven holes Sunday when play was suspended at the Florida course.
On Monday, Eckroat added three birdies and a bogey to finish at 17 under and seal the victory in his 50th PGA Tour start.
Lowry and Skinns finished in a five-way tie for fourth place at 13 under.
The two shared the lead with Eckroat after three laps at Palm Beach Gardens, but had slowed on Sunday before resuming their final laps on Monday.
European Ryder Cup star Lowry saw his hopes of catching Eckroat damaged by finding water twice, while Skinns, 42, carded a final-round 71st for his best result in his 27 participation in the tour.
Eckroat picked up where he left off, playing with confidence to maintain the lead throughout and seal a three-shot victory, which secures him a place at the Masters next month.
South African Erik van Rooyen, who was the club leader on Sunday after finishing at 14 under with a final-round score of 63, is tied for second with Australian Min-Woo Lee.
