- Sean O'Hair wins his first PGA Tour event in two years after claiming the Canadian Open
- The American had previously missed the cut in 10 of his last 17 tournaments
- O'Hair is now close to securing a spot in the season-ending FedEx Cup series
- He beat compatriot Kris Blanks at the first hole of a playoff on Sunday
(CNN) -- American golfer Sean O'Hair was relieved after rescuing a poor 2011 season with his first PGA Tour title in over two years at the Canadian Open on Sunday.
The 29-year-old holed a bogey putt in the first hole of a playoff with compatriot Kris Blanks, whose effort in reply then lipped out of the cup.
O'Hair's victory, his fourth overall but first since May 2009, all but secured his place in the season-ending FedEx Cup series, lifting him up to 43rd in the standings.
It was a welcome return to form for the Texas native, who had missed the cut in 10 of his last 17 tournaments -- including this month's British Open and April's Masters at Augusta National.
O'Hair had started the week in uninspiring fashion and admitted he was "lost" after a poor performance in the Pro-Am event prior to the tournament.
--Sean O'Hair
"Wednesday night was my worst point of the whole year," O'Hair told the PGA Tour's official website after securing the $936,000 winner's check.
"I was lost on Wednesday. To be sitting here, I just really appreciate this win. It is ironic that I'm sitting here after Wednesday and how I felt, and to be holding this trophy is unbelievable.
"I've been holding on so tight and trying to do it forcefully. Finally I just said 'You know what, it's time for me to just let go and whatever happens, happens.' "
The world number 60 carded a final round of 68 to overhaul the three-shot lead held by Bo Van Pelt heading into Sunday, as both he and Blanks -- who closed with 69 -- finished on four under par at the Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club.
Argentina's Andres Romero finished one stroke back in third place after a 70, with 2006 U.S. Open winner Geoff Ogilvy and Canadian Adam Hadwin tied for fourth.
Van Pelt, 36, led with nine holes to play but slumped to a 74 as he finished in a three-way tie for sixth alongside fellow Americans Scott Piercy and Woody Austin.
Two-time major winner John Daly shared ninth place on the leaderboard with fellow Americans Spencer Levin and amateur Patrick Cantlay, plus South Africa's 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel.
World No. 1 Luke Donald was tied for 17th on two-over 282 along with South African veteran Ernie Els -- who carded a day's best round of 66 for his best finish since March.
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