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South Korean Bae Sang-moon scores first PGA Tour victory

South Korean loves the Texan city as he lifts his first PGA title in Byron Nelson Championship

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South Korea's Bae Sang-moon on his way to victory in the Byron Nelson Championship in Irving, Texas, his first victory on the PGA Tour. Photo: AFP

With Dallas' large population of South Koreans, Bae Sang-moon was considering a move to the city before the Byron Nelson Championship.

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His breakthrough victory may have closed the deal. "I love this place," Bae said. "I would move to Dallas tomorrow." The second-year PGA Tour player certainly felt at home with rounds of 66-66-66-69 in his first Nelson appearance.

In difficult scoring conditions, Bae handled the tough closing stretch with poise.

He birdied the par-five 16th, hit a gutsy shot over the water for par on 17 and then confidently drilled his drive in the fairway on the punishing 18th. His two-putt par from 22 feet kept him two strokes clear of 2011 Nelson champion Keegan Bradley, who had led the first three rounds.

When Bae's three-foot putt on 18 dropped, he thrust his arms in the air, shook Bradley's hand and then embraced his caddie.

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Peggy Nelson congratulated him beside the green. "It's like a dream," Bae said. "It's something I've always dreamed of, winning on the PGA Tour.

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