Worth wait as Snedeker lifts Torrey Pines trophy

Brandt Snedeker's stellar 69 in brutal weather on Sunday proved enough to see the American lift the trophy at a sunsplashed Torrey Pines on Monday as the weather-delayed Farmers Insurance Open concluded.

Snedeker had been simply sensational on Sunday when gusting winds and spells of driving rain forced three delays and pushed scores up at Torrey Pines north of San Diego, California.

Snedeker, who described it as "like playing a British Open on a US Open set-up" had built a 72-hole total of six-under 282 when play was halted Sunday afternoon with most of the field still to finish.

Jimmy Walker was seven-under on the course, and South Korean veteran K.J. Choi at six-under, both with eight holes to play.

Although the sun was out on Monday, winds were still strong enough that spectators were banned from the course -- where several trees had toppled overnight -- and neither Walker nor Choi could get into the clubhouse ahead of Snedeker -- the only player to break par in the final round.

"You would not imagine what was going through my head," Snedeker said of his anxious night spent worrying about the weather and whether he was really likely to find himself collecting his eighth US PGA Tour title.

Snedeker was at the 18th green watching when Choi missed a long birdie attempt at his final hole that would have forced a playoff.

Instead he settled for a par and a 76 that gave him solo second on 283, one shot in front of Kevin Streelman who posted a 74 for 284.

Walker closed with a 77 for 285 that put him equal fourth with Sweden's Freddie Jacobsen, who carded a final-round 76.

Snedeker, who started the final round on Sunday morning six shots off the pace, said it was "unbelievable" to find himself hoisting the trophy.

"I thought I was out of the tournament starting on Sunday morning," he said.

Perhaps he should have known better, however, since he won the 2012 title at Torrey Pines despite heading into the final round seven shots off the lead.
Source: AFP