Published: August 24, 2009 12:05 am      

Moore defeats Stadler

His first PGA Tour win comes in sudden death

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Ryan Moore spent plenty of time this week sitting around and waiting at Sedgefield Country Club. A few extra moments weren’t going to bother him.

Not with his first PGA Tour victory on the line.

Moore claimed his first win on tour with a birdie on the third hole of a sudden death playoff to beat Kevin Stadler on Sunday at the Wyndham Championship.

“I was able to stay patient, really,” Moore said. “That’s what won this one.”

After vaulting up the leaderboard with five consecutive birdies on the back nine, he had two chances to seal the victory after his approach on No. 18 landed in the middle of the green and rolled to 6 feet. He sank that putt for his first victory in his 112th event.

Stadler’s second shot on the third playoff hole skipped off the back of the green. He chipped within 20 feet, but his putt drifted to the low side of the cup.

That cleared the way for Moore to make his putt, pick up $918,000 and 500 FedEx Cup points for winning the final tournament before the playoffs start later this week.

Stadler, Moore and Jason Bohn forced the playoff after they were tied at 16-under 264 through 72 holes. Bohn was eliminated on the first playoff hole after he had trouble escaping the greenside bunker on No. 18 and his first try rolled back into the sand.

Sergio Garcia blew a three-stroke lead midway through the final round, shot a 70 and finished at 265. Michael Allen (68), Kevin Sutherland (66), Fred Couples (67), Brandt Snedeker (68) and Justin Rose (68) were at 266.

Moore and Stadler both bogeyed No. 18 in regulation.