SILVIS, Ill., July 15 (UPI) -- Jonathan Byrd rallied Sunday afternoon to win the PGA's John Deere Classic at Silvis, Ill., by one shot over Tim Clark and qualify for the British Open.
In an improbable finish, Byrd came from four shots down with five holes to play. He made three birdies in a four-hole stretch from 14-17, to shoot a closing 5-under 66.
His final total was 18-under 266. It was Byrd's third PGA Tour victory and his first since the now-defunct B.C. Open in 2004.
"I'm going" Byrd said about next week's British Open. "I don't have any other plans. I just have to make a quick trip home to get my passport."
The victory was worth $738,000.
It was a difficult day for Clark, who closed with a 3-under 68 for a final total of 17-under 267. He was the runner-up at the 2006 Masters.
Nathan Green (71) and Troy Matteson (66) tied for third at 15-under 269.
