John Senden Wins Maiden PGA Tour Title at John Deere Classic

Strategic Insights -

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]