Adam Long earns maiden PGA Tour win at Desert Classic

California, January 21: Adam Long claimed his first PGA Tour title by winning the Desert Classic ahead of Phil Mickelson.

American golfer Long earned a one-stroke victory following his final-round 65 on Sunday (January 20).

Long went shot-for-shot with 43-time tour champion Mickelson in the fourth round at the Stadium Course in La Quinta, California.

The two were in a three-way tie for first with Canadian Adam Hadwin, but Long used an aggressive approach and birdie putt to finish 26 under for the tournament.

Results for @ALongShot this season ...

• T63
• Missed cut
• Missed cut
• Missed cut
• Win

Golf is a funny game. pic.twitter.com/GYYSczNqX0

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 21, 2019

Mickelson, who started the day as the 54-hole leader

A dream come true for @ALongShot.

What a way to pick up your first win. pic.twitter.com/FNKoikNNlH

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 21, 2019

The five-time major winner carded three birdies before another bogey on the front nine. He was flawless after the turn but back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th hole were not enough.

Mickelson just missed a birdie putt to take the solo lead, eventually tying for second alongside Hadwin (67).

Americans Talor Gooch (64) and Dominic Bozzelli (66) finished fourth and fifth respectively.

A long shot to win? Not at all.

Adam Long (@ALongShot) just came up CLUTCH.

He's won the @Desert_Classic in dramatic fashion.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/AdyCQzkLlH

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 20, 2019

Jon Rahm, the 2018 Desert Classic champion, was five shots off the pace at the end of the event.

Spanish star Rahm inched up the leaderboard after shooting a five-under-par 67.

World number one Justin Rose (70) fell five spots to finish in a six-man tie for 34th place at 14 under.