SILVIS (Illinois), July 11: American Sean O’Hair, who was pushed, prodded and bullied to become a professional golfer by his father, claimed a one-shot victory at the John Deere Classic on Sunday for his maiden US PGA Tour win. O’Hair, who turned 23 on Monday, fired a flawless final round six-under 65 to finish on 16-under 268 at the sun-drenched TPC at Deere Run to earn a place at next week’s British Open as the top non-exempt finisher.

Americans Hank Kuehne (68) and Robert Damron (67) finished one shot back at 15-under 269 with compatriot Wes Short Jr (66), overnight leader J.L. Lewis (72) and defending champion Mark Hensby (64) of Australia one stroke further adrift.

A PGA Tour rookie, O’Hair holed a nervy 5-foot par putt on the last and then watched from the scorer’s hut as Lewis collapsed over the final two holes.

Lewis, who held a three-shot advantage when the day began, was tied for the lead with two holes to play but a bogey-bogey finish left the 1999 winner with a one-over 72.

Kuehne had a chance to force a playoff but his 20-foot putt from just off the green fell short.

Hensby mounted a determined final day charge, his 64 including five birdies in his first seven holes.

Todd Hamilton will head to St Andrews for the defence of his British Open crown on a positive note, returning a final round three-under 68 to post his best result this season in a tie for 13th at 11-under 273.

Leading final round scores (US unless stated):