Brian Stuard wins playoff at rain-shortened Zurich Classic

AVONDALE, LA (AP) – Brian Stuard beat Jamie Lovemark on the second hole of a playoff Monday to capture his first PGA TOUR win at the water-logged Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Stuard never bogeyed a hole throughout the tournament on the long (7,425-yard), par-72 TPC Louisiana course, which was drenched with more than 4 inches of rain during the tournament. Weather delays on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday not only forced a Monday finish but also led officials to shorten the tournament to 54 holes.

Lovemark, Stuard and Byeong-Hun An entered the playoff at 15-under.

An unraveled on the first playoff hole and Lovemark on the second while Stuard remained steady, virtually clinching the win with a 160-yard approach to within 2 of the pin for an easy birdie putt.

Stuard is the seventh first-time winner at the New Orleans-area TOUR stop in the past 11 years.

Canadian Notes: David Hearn finished seven strokes off the lead at T20 for the week while Adam Hadwn and Nick Taylor were another two strokes back at T36.