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Sepp Straka overcame some late nerves to claim his third PGA Tour title with victory in The American Express at La Quinta in California.<\/p>\n
The Austrian carded a two-under-par 70 in the last round to finish two shots clear of America’s Justin Thomas.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Nerves, just complete nerves,” said Straka, who did not have a bogey in the tournament until the 16th hole on Sunday.<\/p>\n
“Stomach in a knot, the whole nine. So I’m just really excited about the way I handled the pressure.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n