PEBBLE BEACH (California), Feb 11: FedExCup champion Brandt Snedeker finally reaped just reward for his red-hot early form on the PGA Tour this year when he eased to victory by two shots at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Sunday.

Runner-up behind Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in his two previous starts on the US circuit, the American world No 6 closed with a seven-under-par 65 to post a tournament record low of 19-under 267 to win $1,170,000 in prize money.

Co-leader overnight with compatriot James Hahn, Snedeker took control with an eagle on the second hole and never relinquished his grip on a glorious day of late winter sunshine on the picturesque Monterey Peninsula.

American Chris Kirk sank a 16-foot birdie putt at the last for a 66 to finish alone in second, with PGA Tour rookie Hahn (70) a further three strokes back at 14-under in a three-way tie for third.

It was Snedeker’s fifth career victory on the PGA Tour.

Defending champion Phil Mickelson closed with a level-par 72 to finish a distant 18 shots off the pace.

Leading final-round scores:

267 — Brandt Snedeker (US) 66, 68, 68, 65. 269 — Chris Kirk (US) 71, 68, 64, 66. 272 — Kevin Stadler (US) 69, 69, 69, 65; Jimmy Walker (US) 68, 71, 67, 66; James Hahn (US) 71, 65, 66, 70. 273 —Jason Day (Australia) 68, 68, 70, 67. 274 — Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) 71, 66, 70, 67; Patrick Reed (US) 68, 69, 67, 70. 275 — Patrick Cantlay (US) 66, 70, 72, 67; James Driscoll (US) 72, 67, 67, 69; Retief Goosen (South Africa) 71, 68, 67, 69. 276 — Justin Hicks (US) 71, 68, 70, 67; Aaron Baddeley (Australia) 69, 71, 69 67; Bryce Molder (US) 71, 72, 69, 64; Richard Lee (US) 68, 71, 66, 71.—Reuters