Eagle propels Rocco Mediate to California success

Rocco Mediate claimed his first PGA Tour victory since 2002 after an extraordinary finish to the Frys.com Open in California.

Mediate looked to have squandered his three-shot overnight lead after playing the first 12 holes of his final round in five over par. But the 47-year-old American birdied the par-three 16th and holed his approach to the 17th for an eagle two.

It was the fourth time Mediate had holed a full shot for an eagle during the week, and was even more remarkable given what had gone before.

Just seconds earlier, playing partner Alex Prugh had almost holed his tee shot on the reachable par four for an albatross, leaving himself a tap-in for eagle which looked like giving him a share of the lead.

Mediate had other ideas however, but had the good grace to shrug in disbelief and mouth "What the hell is going on?" after holing his approach from 116 yards, the ball spinning back into the cup.

The drama was not yet complete, with Prugh and Bo van Pelt both making birdie on the 18th to leave Mediate facing a four-foot par putt for the win.

Mediate held his nerve to complete a closing round of 73 for a winning total of 15 under par, one clear of Prugh and Van Pelt.