Daniel Berger wins St. Jude Classic

Daniel Berger became the fourth player to successfully defend his title at the St. Jude Classic in Memphis on Sunday.

He shot a bogey–free four–under–par 66 to finish top of a tight leaderboard for a one–shot victory over Charl Schwartzel and Kim Meen-whee, who shot 66 and 67 respectively.

Phil Mickelson had been in the hunt, and with 4 birdies and one bogey, had made the turn in 32. He was tied for the lead, when the wheels came off on the par four 12^th with a very ugly triple bogey, which killed his challenge stone dead.

Mickelson admitted after the round that he had become unsettled after seeing a leaderboard on the 11th hole that showed him tied for the lead.

“It shook me to be honest, I didn’t expect to be there. It was as if I’d never won before, as if I was a rookie.”

Berger finished at 10-under to join Dave Hill, Lee Trevino and David Toms as back–to–back winners of the event that started back in 1958.

“I’m one–for–one defending titles, so that’s a pretty good stat,” 24–year-old Berger quipped after securing his second PGA Tour victory.

“I can’t believe I won again. It’s been a battle. I’m extremely proud.”

Charl Schwartzel tied for second with South Korea’s Whee Kim, whilst Spain’s Rafael Carbera Bello, one of the joint leaders on moving day, could only shoot a one over 71 to finish T4 place with Kevin Chappell, Billy Horschel, amateur Branden Thornberry and Chez Reavie.

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