Des Smyth gains maiden Champions Tour win

Des Smyth made it a great day for Irish golf.

Hours after Padraig Harrington captured his first PGA Tour title at the Honda Classic, Smyth carded a 4-under-par 68 on Sunday for a one-shot victory at the $1.55 million SBC Classic.

Smyth finished at 5-under 211 and edged Mark McNulty and D.A. Weibring to pick up $225,000.

Smyth's previous best Champions Tour showing was a tie for second at the 2003 ACE Group Classic. On Sunday, he drained 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 playoff 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 2-over 74 on the 6,905-yard Valencia Country Club course.

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