Steve Stricker landed a 25 foot putt on the final green to take the John Deere Classic in Illinois for a third year running.
Stricker, the highest-ranked American in the Official World Golf Ranking, joins Tiger Woods as the only home player to win a US PGA Tour event three times on the bounce in 30 years.
Having held a two shot lead going into the final day’s play, the 44 year old soon brushed off the attentions of nearest challenger Brendon de Jonge to open up a five shot advantage at the turn.
But he was quickly pegged back by exciting rookie Kyle Stanley and trailed going into the last two holes, only for a pair of thrilling birdies to see him take the trophy by a shot.
Stanley still had a chance to take it to a play-off on the 18th, but his miss from ten feet sealed his fate.
Stricker finished on 22 under, with Stanley on 21, while a final-day 64 allowed Canadian Matt McQuillan take a share of third on 17.
Zach Johnson carded the same four-round score as McQuillan - 267 - with Charles Howell III and Chez Reavie, the early pacesetter, finishing off the top six.
England`s Brian Davis dropped down the leaderboard with a disappointing round of two-over, having started the day on ten under and with slim hopes of being involved.
"I still can't believe I made three," Stricker said of final-hole heroics.
"It was a tough day. It was a struggle all the way round and just trying to win is hard. But it's been a lot of fun.
"To make that putt (at 18) is a bonus obviously. What a day!"
Stanley, who qualified for this week`s Open Championship as a result of his placing, added: "It's great. I'm very excited to go over there and play. But I'm still trying to calm down from that round."
