Brandt Snedeker cruises to Pebble Beach win

FedEx Cup champion Brandt Snedeker finally reaped just reward for his red-hot early form on the PGA Tour this year when he eased to victory by two shots at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Sunday.

Runner-up behind Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in his two previous starts on the US circuit, the American closed with a seven-under-par 65 to post a tournament record low of 19-under 267.

Co-leader overnight with compatriot James Hahn, Snedeker took control with an eagle on the second hole and never relinquished his grip on a glorious day of late winter sunshine on the picturesque Monterey Peninsula.

American Chris Kirk sank a 16-foot birdie putt at the last for a 66 to finish alone in second, with rookie Hahn (70) a further three strokes back at 14-under-par in a three-way tie for third.

It was Snedeker’s fifth career victory on the PGA Tour and his second in his last six starts, dating back to the Tour Championship in September when he also landed FedEx Cup honours.

“It’s kind of crazy to think about what’s happened the last four months,” said Snedeker after sealing victory with a par at the last before pumping his right fist in celebration. “And to finish the West Coast [Swing] off to win this way. It’s such a special place. To win at Pebble Beach on a beautiful day like this… you can’t make this stuff up. It’s just too perfect.”

Inverness exile Russell Knox, who had shared the lead after the first round, finished in a tie for 28th, earning a cheque for just over $47,000 (£29,925).