RENO, Nev., Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Chris Riley parred the first playoff hole Sunday to defeat Jonathan Kaye and win his first PGA Tour event, the Reno-Tahoe Open.
Both Riley and Kaye shot 67 in the final round to finish 72 holes at 17-under 271 --- four shots in front of Charles Howell III and J.J. Henry.
The playoff began at the par-4 18th hole and Kaye drove into the right rough. From there, he put his second shot in a greenside bunker, blasted to within six feet and missed the putt to give Riley the title.
Riley played the hole perfectly, driving into the fairway, hitting his approach within 14 feet and two-putting for par.
Prior to Sunday's victory, Riley's best finish on the tour had been a second place at the 2001 International.
Howell shot a 64 to while Henry had a 68 to get to 275 while Brian Gay finished alone in fifth at 275. Brian Gay wound up in fifth at 276.
The victory highlighted what has been a tremendous summer for Riley. He finished tied for fifth twice last month --- at the Western Open and John Deere Classic. A week ago, he wound up third at the PGA Championship behind Rich Beem and Tiger Woods.
