Rookie Holmes wins Phoenix Open by seven shots

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – PGA Tour rookie J.B. Holmes romped
to a seven-shot victory at the Phoenix Open in Scottsdale,
Arizona on Sunday.

The 23-year-old from Kentucky, one ahead at the start of
the day, eagled the par-five 15th on the way to a
five-under-par 66 on the Stadium Course at the TPC of
Scottsdale.

American Holmes, who turned professional last year after a
highly successful college career, finished on 21-under 263,
sealing his breakthrough win on his fifth PGA Tour start.

Compatriot Ryan Palmer had led by a stroke with nine holes
to play but fell back into a tie for second place with a
closing 72 after running up a triple-bogey eight on 15.

Level with Palmer were fellow Americans Steve Lowery (67),
Scott Verplank (68) and J.J. Henry (72), plus PGA Tour rookie
Camilo Villegas of Colombia (69).

Defending champion Phil Mickelson birdied five of the last
six holes for a 66 and a tie for seventh at 13 under.