Rookie McNeill hits jackpot in Vegas

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - American rookie George McNeill held off an early challenge from playing partner D.J. Trahan to clinch his maiden PGA Tour title by four shots at the Las Vegas Open on Sunday.

The 32-year-old from Florida, ice-cool on a sun-baked day at the TPC Summerlin, fired a five-under-par 67 to become the Tour's 11th first-time winner this season.

Five ahead of compatriot Trahan overnight, McNeill birdied four of the last eight holes for the second day in a row, posting a tournament record 23-under total of 264 despite a three-putt bogey at the last.

He also became the second rookie to triumph on the 2007 PGA Tour, following American Brandt Snedeker at the Wyndham Championship in August.

"I felt like I didn't do anything that special," McNeill told reporters after being presented with the tournament trophy in the company of four scantily clad Las Vegas showgirls.

"It's nice to kind of buzz around and win by four and not feel like you're doing anything all that great. I don't get too emotional. I'm having fun with this. It hasn't sunk in."

Trahan reeled off birdies on the first four holes on his way to a joint best-of-the-day 66 and second spot at 19 under, finishing four ahead of Americans Cameron Beckham (68) and Robert Garrigus (70).

EARLY BURST