25 Sep 2017

Thomas wins FedEx Cup

1:42 pm on 25 September 2017

American Justin Thomas has claimed the $13.6 million FedEx Cup after compatriot Xander Schauffele won the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

American golfer Justin Thomas.

American golfer Justin Thomas. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

World No. 4 Thomas posted a four-under-par 66 at East Lake Golf Club and his 11-under total earned second place at the US PGA Tour's play-offs finale, his runner-up finish, knocking FedEx leader Jordan Spieth out of top spot.

Rookie Xander Schauffele carded a 68 for a 12-under 268 total and a one-shot win over Thomas was the 23-year-old's second Tour victory this year.

Schauffele also became the first PGA Tour rookie to win the Tour Championship.

Americans Russell Henley (65) and Kevin Kisner (70) tied for third at 10 under, while overnight leader Paul Casey continued his eight-year winless streak in the US after slumping to a 73 for a solo fifth place at nine under.

Spieth, who won the 2015 FedEx Cup, appeared likely to bag another massive payday when he reached eight-under during his final round and was projected to take out golf's richest prize.

But a bogey at the par-3 15th led to a 67 and at seven-under his share of seventh opened the door for good friend Thomas to cap a whirlwind year.

Thomas' five Tour victories this season include a breakthrough major title at the US PGA Championship in August.

-AAP