Billy Horschel wins Zurich Classic

Billy Horschel of the USA carded a course-record equalling 64 to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans by a single shot from his countryman D.A. Points.

Horschel endured two weather delays, but kept his composure to secure his maiden PGA Tour victory by sinking a 30-foot putt across the final green.

The 26-year-old began the fourth round two shots behind 2009 US Open winner Lucas Glover, but he raced into the lead with six straight birdies following the first weather delay.

With those behind him faltering, Horschel came to the final hole one clear of D.A. Points. The pressure was on the young American, who had three top-10 finishes in his last three tournaments, including a tie for second in Houston. But, before he could play his second shot, lightning caused a second halt to proceedings. Horschel took it in his stride.

"For some reason it puts me at ease a little bit," he said. "You don't know how long your delay is going to be so you've just got to go with it and just wait it out."

When he came back to the course he found the green with his second shot, but Points piled on the pressure by firing from a bunker to within 5-feet of the cup.

Horschel faced a 30-foot birdie putt for the victory and he duly rolled it in, consigning Points to second place. Horschel sank to the ground and put his cap over his face.

"It was pretty intense," he said. "There was a lot going on and it's celebration time now."

On a day that witnessed low scoring at the top of the leaderboard, 54-hole leader Lucas Glover struggled to a 71. He finished in a tie for fourth with Bobby Gates, two behind Kyle Stanley who was third.

Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium was the first international finisher. He closed with 67 to take a share of eighth place.

Zurich Classic of New Orleans TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana Apr 25-28, purse $6,600,000 par 72

1   Billy Horschel (USA)   67   71   66   64   268   $1,188,000 2   D.A. Points (USA)      66   68   70   65   269   $712,800 3   Kyle Stanley (USA)   72   67   65   67   271   $448,800 T4   Bobby Gates (USA)   67   70   70   66   273   $290,400 T4   Lucas Glover (USA)   65   67   70   71   273   $290,400 T6   Harris English (USA)   68   70   69   67   274   $229,350 T6   Boo Weekley (USA)   65   68   73   68   274   $229,350 T8   Nicolas Colsaerts (Bel)   70   68   70   67   275   $165,000 T8   Luke Guthrie (USA)   67   71   69   68   275   $165,000 T8   D.H. Lee (Kor)      70   70   68   67   275   $165,000 T8   John Peterson (USA)   71   67   70   67   275   $165,000 T8   Kevin Stadler (USA)   68   72   65   70   275   $165,000 T8   Jimmy Walker (USA)   67   71   66   71   275   $165,000 T8   Aaron Watkins (USA)   71   69   70   65   275   $165,000

Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage Where next? European Tour - Brett Rumford wins Ballantine's Championship