Duncan hangs tough

I’m just so happy to be here playing, and to come out here and win is unbelievable.

American Tyler Duncan hoists the RSM Trophy after beating Webb Simpson in a playoff for his first US PGA Tour title (AFP Photo).

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Tyler Duncan birdied the second playoff hole to edge Webb Simpson and claim his first US PGA Tour title at the RSM Classic in Sea Island, Georgia.

The 30-year-old American, who returned to the PGA Tour this season with a 12th-place finish in the Korn Ferry Tour Finals, powered into the playoff with birdies at three of his last four holes, including a 25-foot birdie at the 72nd to cap a five-under par 65.

That put him in the clubhouse on 19-under 263, where Simpson joined him after birdies at 15 and 16 and a five-foot par putt 18 to cap a 67.

Both players parred the first playoff hole, the par-four 18th.

When they returned to play it again Simpson was in the left rough while Duncan again found the fairway, eventually draining a 12-footer to seal the victory.

“I’m just so happy to be here playing, and to come out here and win is unbelievable,” said Duncan, whose tournament included a career-best 61 on Friday that he followed with a 70 that left him four off the overnight lead held by Brendon Todd.

“I knew it was going to be a tough day out here, it was colder and the wind picked up,” Duncan said. “I was just trying to do the best that I could and fight to the end.”

He said it was “one of the best four-irons I’ve ever hit” that left him a six-foot birdie putt at the 17th, which he followed with his 72nd-hole flourish.