Loar Wins Panama Claro Tourney

Edward Loar rolled in a six-foot par putt on the final Sunday to win the Panama Claro Championship by one stroke over four others.

Loar, who held a four-stroke after 54 holes at the Panama Golf Club, gave all of the lead back early and then battled his way to the win despite a 4-over 74.

The 34-year Dallas resident finished at 4-under 276, one better than the quartet of Cameron Percy (67), Ryan Armour (68), Luke List (68) and Brian Smock (69). The win is the first significant win for Loar since he captured the 2004 Korean Open on the Asian Tour. He also collected a first-place check for $99,000.

“I really haven’t played that good out here,” said Loar, who is a rookie on the PGA TOUR this year and will head to the Puerto Rico Open next week. “Hopefully, this will give me some gratification that I actually belong out here.”