American Express: Sepp Straka calms nerves to beat Justin Thomas

Sepp Straka overcame some late nerves to claim his third PGA Tour title with victory in The American Express at La Quinta in California.

The Austrian carded a two-under-par 70 in the last round to finish two shots clear of America’s Justin Thomas.

The European Ryder Cup player took a four-shot lead into the final day but came under pressure when the American picked up five shots on the front nine.

But the former world number one – a two-time major champion – made just one birdie on the back nine, meaning Straka held on despite two late dropped shots.

“Nerves, just complete nerves,” said Straka, who did not have a bogey in the tournament until the 16th hole on Sunday.

“Stomach in a knot, the whole nine. So I’m just really excited about the way I handled the pressure.”

Justin Lower of the United States and Australia’s Jason Day tied for third place on 22 under, with American pair Charley Hoffman and Patrick Cantlay two shots further back.