PGA TOUR rookie Marc Turnesa held his nerve to claim his first tour victory at the Las Vegas Open on Sunday.

Turnesa finished on 25-under-par 263 after producing a final round of 68 to win by one shot from Matt Kuchar.

The 30-year-old American comes from a famous golf family with his late grandfather Michael having won six PGA tour events and his great-uncle Joe claiming 15 tour titles.

Chad Campbell, John Mallinger and Michael Allen tied for third place, three shots behind Turnesa who made six birdies and two bogeys, one when he was playing safe with a two-shot lead on the 18th.

Turnesa's delight was mixed with relief after he had led at the Viking Classic last month only to miss out in a play-off.

'To win this golf tournament means a lot, especially after coming up short a few weeks ago,' he said.

'I don't really feel like I'm carrying on a name, but I guess I am without even thinking about it.

'I'm just trying to play golf as best I can, and that's all I can really do.'

Turnesa only joined the Nationwide Tour last year after grafting away in the third level Gateway Tour since turning professional in 2001.

The victory gives Turnesa a two-year exemption from needing to qualify for the tour.

'I know I'll be playing on the PGA Tour for two more years, so I'm excited about that.'

Reuters

RESULTS:

263: Marc Turnesa 62-64-69-68

264: Matt Kuchar 63-63-71-67

266: Chad Campbell 65-67-67-67, John Mallinger 64-64-70-68