Justin Rose recorded his best finish of 2014 as America’s JB Holmes captured a third European Tour title at the Wells Fargo Championship.
Holmes, a member of the US Ryder Cup team in 2008, closed with a 71 to finish on14 under par and on to a one shot win over compatriot Jim Furyk, who posted a fourth round 65.
Halfway leader Martin Flores was third on 12 under, with another American – Jason Bohn – in fourth.
US Open Champion Rose finished fifth after signing for a 71 – the Englishman double bogeying his final hole in Charlotte for a costly end to his week.
Rory McIlroy, whose first win on American soil came at Quail Hollow, was tied for eighth after following his brilliant third round 65 with a two under par 70.
German Ryder Cup hero Martin Kaymer held on for a top 20 finish despite signing for a three over 75.
Holmes dropped shots on the 16th and 18th in a tense finish, but his three foot putt saw him hold off a stern challenge from Furyk.
Holmes, whose last title came at the FBR Open in 2008, underwent brain surgery in 2011 after being diagnosed with structural defects in the cerebellum, eventually returning to competition in January 2012.
It has been a long fight back to the top of the leaderboard and for a moment it looked as if his nerves would betray him.
After Furyk had lit up the Quail Hollow course with some stunning play, Holmes made the turn on par before picking up shots on the tenth, 11th and 15th holes.
Victory was in his grasp but he bogeyed the 16th and then sent his tee shot into the trees on the 18th.
He narrowly missed a bunker with his second shot and then made full use of his remaining leeway on the leaderboard as he two-putted for the win.
"It feels great," Holmes said. "First I want to think my Lord and saviour for being with me this week and giving me the strength to do this, I definitely couldn't do it myself. That's first and foremost.
"It's been a long journey for me, there's been some ups and downs but it's a great feeling to be out here and get one done. I'm happy with the way the year is going."
With the victory, Holmes also booked his spot for The Players Championship.
Furyk had been watching the end of Holmes' round from the clubhouse after picking up several places with the best round of the day.
He made the turn already three under par and then birdied the 13th and 14th before an eagle on the par five 15th put him in contention.
