 Smyth played in Europe's Ryder Cup teams in 1979 and 1981 |
Des Smyth made it an Irish weekend double in the US on Sunday by claiming his first win on the Champions Tour. Hours after Padraig Harrington had won the Honda Classic, Smyth took a one-shot victory in the SBC Classic to pick up a cheque for over �117,000.
Smyth shot a 68 in California for a five-under total of 211 which edged out Mark McNulty and DA Weibring.
His previous best Champions Tour showing was a tie for second at the 2003 ACE Group Classic.
He made three birdies on each nine to vault from a tie for seventh to the top of the leaderboard.
McNulty had a chance to force a play-off on the 18th hole but could not convert.
With Smyth watching on a monitor, McNulty slid a long birdie putt just past the hole on the right side and the Irishman let out a long sigh of relief.
Weibring carded an even-par 72 while McNulty struggled to a two-over 74 on the 6,905-yard Valencia Country Club course.
MMIX
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