American Every clinches upset victory over Scott

Tuesday, 25 March 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

REUTERS: An emotional Matt Every clinched his first PGA Tour victory in dramatic fashion when he surged past a faltering Adam Scott to win the $6.2 million Arnold Palmer Invitational by one stroke in Florida on Sunday. “It’s tough man. You just never know if it’s going to happen,” a teary-eyed Every told NBC after edging fellow American Keegan Bradley at Bay Hill in Orlando.

Australian Scott, the Masters champion, finished third. Every, who started the final round four strokes behind Scott, charged to the front with four birdies in a sizzling five-hole stretch around the turn. The 30-year-old built a three-shot lead, before bogeying the 16th and 18th holes, missing a five-footer at the last that opened the door for Bradley. Bradley, however, missed a 30-foot birdie putt that would have forced a playoff, while Scott finished two shots behind after a 76. Nobody in the top 25 shot a worse final round. “You get there so many times and it’s nice to get it done,” said Every, who had a 70 to finish at 13-under-par 275. That (missed at the last) was a bummer. Would have been to celebrate there, but I’ll take it.” Every grew up in nearby Daytona Beach and Bay Hill was the first place he ever watched a PGA Tour event. The PGA Tour suspended him for three months during his rookie season in 2010 for conduct unbecoming a professional after he and two others were arrested on misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession in Iowa. The charges were later dropped but the PGA Tour suspension, which was announced by Every’s management company, remained.