Golf: Berger breaks through to win St Jude Classic, Mickelson among trio tied for second

Daniel Berger of the US raises his trophy after winning the FedEx St Jude Classic in Memphis, Tennessee, on June 12, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

(AFP) - American golfer Daniel Berger fired three-under-par 67 in Sunday's final round to capture his first US PGA Tour victory, a three-shot win in the St Jude Classic.

The 23-year-old finished at 13-under 267. Brooks Koepka, who carded a 66 and Steve Stricker and Phil Mickelson, who both shot 67s, wound up in a three-way tie for second at 270.

"It's the greatest feeling. You work so hard to get here, and to finally be able to put the trophy up, I can't describe it," Berger said.

Dustin Johnson shot a 63 on Sunday, the best round of the tournament, and he came in fifth place at 271.

Brian Gay (66) came in sixth at 272. Russell Henley (67) and South Korea's Noh Seung Yul (69) shared seventh at 273.

Shawn Stefani (65), Ken Duke (68) and Brett Stegmaier (69) tied for ninth at 274 in the tournament at Memphis, Tennessee.

Berger is the 13th first-time winner on tour this season.

Despite entering the last round with a three-stroke lead, Berger faced pressure down the stretch.

Mickelson got within one shot, due in part to a Berger bogey at No. 10, but Berger rebounded with birdies on Nos. 12, 14 and 15. At the par-three 14th hole he made a long birdie putt.

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