• Humana Challenge

Reed hangs on for Humana Challenge win

Patrick Reed celebrated his win with pregnant wife Justine © Getty Images

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Patrick Reed could not conjure up a fourth straight nine-under 63 at the Humana Challenge, but he did enough to hold off a late surge from Ryan Palmer to win by two strokes at PGA West on Sunday.

Having opened up a seven-stroke lead going into the final round, Reed finished with a one-under 71 in the three-course event which he opened and closed on the Arnold Palmer Private Course.

"A lot tougher than the first three rounds," Reed said. "My speed was off today. I left a lot of putts short. It seemed like the first three days the ball was just trickling over the front edge, and today it seemed like it came to a screeching halt."

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However Reed found his putting touch when needed to, holing an 18-footer for birdie on the par-three 15th to open up a three-shot lead.

"It felt comfortable. It felt great," Reed said. "I was able to play the last three holes just for par rather than trying to make birdies or trying to make something happen."

Reed did manage to par those final three holes. His victory sees him jump from 69th to 41st in the world rankings, securing him a spot in the 64-man Match Play Championship.

"I always play to try to prove to everybody that I belong out here," Reed said. "As well as, I belong, not only out here on the PGA Tour, but also with the best players in the world."

Reed's wife Justine is pregnant with their first child, forcing her to hand over caddieing duties to her brother, though she plans to caddie again after the baby arrives.

"I can't wait to be a dad and have a little girl running around," Reed said.

Although Palmer ultimately missed out, he finished with a flourish by landing a 15-foot eagle putt on the final hole for a 63 of his own.

"What can you do with what Patrick did this week?" Palmer said. "It's ridiculous what he did. Amazing how good he played. We'll come up a couple short, but it was a win in my game because I was playing for second today."

Zach Johnson birdied the final five holes to earn a 62 - the best round of the week - and a share of third place with Justin Leonard.

"I got red hot at the end," Johnson said, who will now take a four-week break. "Hopefully, I can maintain where I'm at."

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