PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga., Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Rookie Jonathan Byrd came from nowhere Sunday to claim his first PGA Tour victory, shooting a career-low, 9-under-par 63 for a one-stroke victory over David Toms at the Buick Challenge.
The 24-year-old Byrd had two eagles on the back nine and six birdies on a memorable day at Callaway Gardens Resort. He overcame a late bogey and finished with a 72-hole total of 27-under 261.
Although he began the day just two strokes off the pace, the diminutive Byrd was a stunning first-time champion, having placed in the top 10 just twice in his first 31 career starts.
There have been a record 17 first-time winners on the PGA Tour this season.
A three-time All-American while at Clemson, Byrd earned the $666,000 top prize. He did not qualify for next week's Tour Championship, but jumped more than 50 places into the top 40 on the money list with $1.37 million.
Toms, ranked seventh in the world, carded a 7-under 65 to finish alone in second at 26-under 262. He played the last 12 holes in 7-under, but needed a birdie at the 18th to force a playoff and settled for par.
