American Bettencourt lifts Reno-Tahoe Open title

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Matt Bettencourt of the U.S. watches his tee shot the second hole during the final round of the Memorial golf tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio June 7, 2009.


WASHINGTON, July 18 -- American Matt Bettencourt took the Reno-Tahoe Open for his first PGA Tour title Sunday in Nevada.

Bettencourt finished at 11-under 277. On Sunday, he chipped in for an eagle on the 11th hole, but bogeyed on No. 18 after a birdie on 17 to end with 4-under 68.

This win qualified him to play in the PGA Championship for the first time.

Bob Heintz of United Staes (69) came second, missing a three-foot birdie putt on the 18 that would have forced a playoff.

John Merrick and Mathias Gronberg each shot 69 and tied for third at 9-under.

(Reuters)