Long earns maiden PGA Tour win at Desert Classic

Alexis Mansanarez
January 21, 2019 01:19 MYT
Adam Long claimed his first PGA Tour title by winning the Desert Classic ahead of Phil Mickelson.

American golfer Long earned a one-stroke victory following his final-round 65 on Sunday.

Long went shot-for-shot with 43-time tour champion Mickelson in the fourth round at the Stadium Course in La Quinta, California.

The two were in a three-way tie for first with Canadian Adam Hadwin, but Long used an aggressive approach and birdie putt to finish 26 under for the tournament.

Results for @ALongShot this season ... • T63 • Missed cut • Missed cut • Missed cut • Win Golf is a funny game. pic.twitter.com/GYYSczNqX0

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 21, 2019
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Mickelson, who started the day as the 54-hole leader, opened his round with a bogey on the par-four first hole en route to a three-under-par 69.

A dream come true for @ALongShot. What a way to pick up your first win. pic.twitter.com/FNKoikNNlH

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 21, 2019
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The five-time major winner carded three birdies before another bogey on the front nine. He was flawless after the turn but back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th hole were not enough.

Mickelson just missed a birdie putt to take the solo lead, eventually tying for second alongside Hadwin (67).

Americans Talor Gooch (64) and Dominic Bozzelli (66) finished fourth and fifth respectively.

A long shot to win? Not at all. Adam Long (@ALongShot) just came up CLUTCH. He's won the @Desert_Classic in dramatic fashion.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/AdyCQzkLlH

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 20, 2019
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Jon Rahm, the 2018 Desert Classic champion, was five shots off the pace at the end of the event.

Spanish star Rahm inched up the leaderboard after shooting a five-under-par 67.

World number one Justin Rose (70) fell five spots to finish in a six-man tie for 34th place at 14 under.

#Justin Rose #Phil Mickelson #Adam Hadwin #Golf #PGA Tour #Jon Rahm #Humana Challenge #Adam Long