South Korea's Bae captures first US PGA title

IRVING, Texas (AFP) –

Bae Sang-Moon of South Korea hits a shot during the final round of the 2013 HP Byron Nelson Championship at the TPC Four Seasons Resort on May 19, 2013 in Irving, Texas. Bae won his first US PGA title on Sunday, firing a one-under par 69.

South Korea’s Bae Sang-Moon won his first US PGA title on Sunday, firing a one-under par 69 to win the $6.7 million Byron Nelson Championship by two strokes over American Keegan Bradley.

In windy conditions at the TPC Four Seasons Resort course, the 26-year-old South Korean finished on 13-under 267 to hold off 2011 PGA Championship winner Bradley, who shot 72, with 2011 Masters winner Charl Schwartzel third on 270.

“This course was really tough,” Bae said. “The winds were very strong but I did very well.”

Bae, who had won 11 prior times worldwide but never in a US tour event, made his first appearance at the Byron Nelson a memorable one, becoming the US PGA’s first Asian-born winner since American Kevin Na in 2011 at Las Vegas.

“I’m very very happy. I had a great time,” Bae said. “I was a little nervous but I did my best today.”

Bae, who won the Japan Tour money title in 2011, tapped in a four-footer for par at the 18th to seal the victory, raised his arms and looked skyward with a big smile.

Bradley, who won his first US PGA title at the 2011 Byron Nelson, was foiled in his bid to be the event’s first wire-to-wire winner since Tom Watson in 1980.

“I’m disappointed but I’ll get over it,” Bradley said. “Moon played really well. He’s a great guy and very good player.”