John Senden Wins Maiden PGA Tour Title at John Deere Classic

Australian professional golfer John Senden held off a strong challenge from American JP Hayes to win his maiden PGA Tour title at the John Deere Classic, securing a spot in the Open championship. Senden's victory came as he carded a final round 68 for a 19-under-par total, one shot ahead of Hayes. The Australian golfer held a four-shot lead going into the final round, which allowed him to maintain his composure and secure the win despite a bogey on the ninth hole.

Key Takeaways:

• Senden held a four-shot lead going into the final round and maintained his composure to secure the win.
• JP Hayes' closing 65 gave him outright second on 18 under par, with Alex Cejka and Heath Slocum tied for third two shots further back.
• Senden's birdies at the first two holes and the seventh provided a strong start to the final round.
• Hayes took advantage of Senden's bogey on the ninth with birdies at the 11th and 14th, briefly taking the lead.
• Senden recovered with a two-putt birdie at the 17th after a 326-yard drive from a bunker on the 18th.
• The win secured Senden's spot in the Open championship, with the leading player not already exempt securing the last available place.
• Last year's Open winner Sean O'Hair had to enlist the help of the White House to obtain a passport to compete in the tournament.

Statistics:

• Senden carded a final round 68 for a 19-under-par total.
• Hayes' closing 65 gave him 18 under par.
• Senden held a four-shot lead going into the final round.
• Senden secured his spot in the Open championship.
• Hayes, Alex Cejka, and Heath Slocum finished tied for third, two shots behind Senden.

Sources:

• [Source not explicitly provided in the original text]