Watershed moment for Austin Eckroat as he wins 2024 Cognizant Classic in Monday finish

Former Open champion Shane Lowry was in a good position overnight, but failed to capitalise. The Irishman, whose 2019 Open win and WGC-Bridgestone title technically count as a PGA Tour victories, resumed the weather-delayed Cognizant Classic at Palm Beach Gardens on Monday's extra day at the sixth hole and three shots off the lead.

However, an early bogey set him back and he could not generate any momentum as two birdies just after the turn sandwiched another dropped shot when his tee shot landed in the hazard at the 11th.

Two more birdies came either side of a double-bogey five after hitting it into the lake at the short 15th which ended his chances of catching Eckroat, who had been the joint third-round leader with Lowry and Englishman David Skinns.

Lowry birdied the last for a level-par round of 71.

Eckroat, on his 50th start, booked a place at April's Masters with a round of 67 to win by three from South Africa's Erik van Rooyen, who rocketed into joint second place with a 63 after opening with seven birdies in his first eight holes.

"This has always been my dream to win on the PGA TOUR," Eckroat told Golf Channel. 

"And just to win, I haven't won since 2019 — it was a college event. It's just been so long. I'm just so happy."

Skinns' 71 saw him finish in the group which included Lowry in joint fourth on 12 under, the 42-year-old's best placing in his 27 tour appearances having missed the cut in his previous four tournaments this year.