Austria’s Straka sees off Thomas to win PGA Tour title

The American Express final leaderboard

-25 Straka (Aut); -23 J Thomas (US); -22 J Lower (US), J Day (Aus); -20 P Cantlay (US), C Hoffman (US)

Selected others: -17 W Zalatoris; -15 H Hall (Eng); -15 R Fowler

Sepp Straka overcame some late nerves to claim his third PGA Tour title with victory in The American Express at La Quinta in California.

The Austrian carded a two-under-par 70 in the last round to finish two shots clear of America’s Justin Thomas.

The European Ryder Cup player took a four-shot lead into the final day but came under pressure when the American picked up five shots on the front nine.

But the former world number one – a two-time major champion – made just one birdie on the back nine, meaning Straka held on despite two late dropped shots.

“Nerves, just complete nerves,” said Straka, who did not have a bogey in the tournament until the 16th hole on Sunday.

“Stomach in a knot, the whole nine. So I’m just really excited about the way I handled the pressure. “