PGA: Close shave, but Merritt takes major step with win

NICHOLASVILLE, KY.— Troy Merritt shot a 5-under 67 Monday to win the rain-delayed Barbasol Championship by one stroke.

This was his second career PGA Tour victory, and it earned him a spot in next month’s PGA Championship. Merritt led or shared the lead after each round.

“To get a win like this late in the season and move up to No. 65 on the points list and secure a job for two more years, it’s a pretty good feeling,” said Merritt, who earned $630,000 (U.S.) and 300 FedEx Cup points with the victory. Merritt is also exempt through the 2019-20 season.

Merritt was one of four players tied for the lead at 18 under when the round began. He made five birdies to stay in contention.

Consecutive birdies on Nos. 14 and 15 at the Champions Trace at Keene Trace Golf Club put him into the lead before he finished with pars for a 23under 265.

Billy Horschel (67), Richy Werenski (66) and Tom Lovelady (68) were a stroke behind. J.T. Poston was fifth at 21 under with Brian Gay sixth at 20 under.

Ben Silverman of Thornhill shot a 7-under 65 in the final round to finish 17 under for the tournament, good for a tie for 12th. Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., tied for 21st at 15 under, while Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., was tied for 60th at 6 under.

The Monday finish was the PGA Tour’s second this season and first since Jason Day won the Farmers Insurance Open in January on the sixth playoff hole.