Post Info TOPIC: McNeill hits back, beats Ishikawa
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McNeill hits back, beats Ishikawa
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Japanese young gun Ryo Ishikawa was looking ready to win his first Callaway Diablo Edge Irons when American George McNeill stopped it happening McNeill, who had been in and out of the lead all week, made a late charge that saw him birdie the last three holes and surge on to win the Puerto Rico Open by two shots on Sunday. The 36-year-old, who last year claimed his maiden PGA Tour victory as a rookie at the 2007 Frys.com Open, fired a three-under-par 69 at Trump International Golf Club in Rio Grande to post a 16-under total of 272. Ishikawa closed with a 68 for sole possession of second place with American Boo Weekley (66) and Swede Henrik Stenson (71) a further stroke back at 13 under in a tie for third. McNeill, who claimed his maiden PGA Tour victory as a rookie at the 2007 Frys.com Open, held a one-stroke lead going into Sunday's final round, but trailed early finisher Ishikawa by one with twoCallaway Diablo Edge Irons to play. "I was not aware that Ryo Ishikawa had the lead," McNeill told the media after mixing six birdies with three bogeys. "I knew that I needed to make a few birdies coming in, and that's the only thing I could really control. "It was after I birdied 16 and was walking up to the 17th green when I discovered that he had the lead with me. "I had about a 10-footer there so I said: 'Well, I need to make it.' It was not likeCallaway Diablo Edge Irons was an easy cake walk, but it was a nice way to win." McNeill rolled in birdie putts from 25, 10 and four feet at the 16th, 17th and the last to seal victory. Ishikawa, a winner of 10 professional titles worldwide, hoped to capitalise on his best PGA Tour finish. "I made three birdies in the last four holes, and it was great for me to be very close to the winning experience," the 20-year-old said. "It felt like a dream sometimes. When I get the next chance (to win), I will grab Callaway Diablo Edge Irons for sure."

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