Austin Smotherman makes PGA Tour breakthrough with record 26-under finish

The American went into the day one shot ahead of Doug Ghim but kept him at arms length to post a final round three under 68 around Ogden Country Club to clinch the Sunday silverware.

From the first teebox, Smotherman was in control of tournament and his nerves. He tapped in for birdie on the first and the fourth, then drained a 35-footer on the fifth for another, building a three-shot cushion.

But it was not without some drama. Smotherman plugged the lip of the bunker on the par-4 13th and would scramble to make a double bogey. Meanwhile, in the group ahead, Trace Crowe rolled in a 45-foot eagle putt to come within one shot of the lead.

Smotherman gathered himself to play the last five holes in two under - largely thanks to some superb iron play - and clinch the title. His 26-under total broke the 72-hole record at the tournament.

"It didn't have to be pretty," the 32-year-old told the press afterwards.

"I got some nice bounces. Made some poor swings, but this game doesn't have to be perfect."

He finished two ahead of Ghim, who was also chasing his maiden title. He birdied the final hole for a 69 that saw him finish solo second.

"Today was Austin's day," he said.

"I did everything that I could, and hopefully I'll learn from some of the mistakes and be a little bit more comfortable next time. But always grateful."