Austin Eckroat wins Cognizant Classic as Shane Lowry finishes tied for fourth

Shane Lowry finished in a tie for fourth at the the Cognizant Classic at Palm Beach Gardens after a final-round level-par 71 on Monday.

Completing his weather-delayed fourth round, the Offaly man started the day three shots off the lead, having previously shared the summit, and ultimately finished four adrift of tournament winner Austin Eckroat, whose 67 left him at an unassailable 17-under.

Rory McIlroy ended up seven off that total in a tie for 21st on 10-under after a closing 68.

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Adding to the bogey on the fifth which came prior to play being suspended due to darkness on Sunday, dropped shots at eight and 11 proved costly for Lowry, with the biggest setback coming with a double-bogey on the 15th.

However, birdies on 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 ensured that he salvaged a level-par round on the PGA National Champion Course.

Eckroat won by three strokes, capturing his first career PGA Tour title in the process.

Eckroat was 15-under through seven holes on Sunday when play was suspended due to darkness. He added three birdies and a bogey on the back nine Monday morning to card a four-under 67 for a winning score of 17-under.

South Africa's Erik van Rooyen had been the leader in the clubhouse after finishing at 14-under on Sunday. He posted a final-round low of 63 and tied for second with Australia's Min Woo Lee (final round 67).

Five players tied for fourth at 13-under, including rookie Jake Knapp (66),who was picked up his first career win at the Mexico Open at Vidanta last week.

South Korea's Kyoung-hoon Lee (66), Cameron Young (66) and England's David Skinns (71) were also at 13-under alongside Lowry.

Additional reporting: Reuters