Jimmy Walker plays a shot on the 16th hole during the final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii on Sunday (US time). Photo: AFP

American Jimmy Walker claimed his second career victory on the US PGA Tour by firing a bogey-free, seven-­under 63 to win the Sony Open in Hawaii on Sunday (US time).

Walker birdied four of his final six holes to finish at 17-under-par 263 and beat Chris Kirk by one stroke.

"Today was awesome," a ­beaming Walker told Golf ­Channel ­after earning the ­winner's check for just over $1 million. "I felt in control all day with my emotions."

Walker, who needed 188 career starts on the US PGA Tour to clinch his first title at the Frys.com Open in October, felt that maiden victory had been instrumental in helping him add another just five starts later.

"You learn so much out here and it took me a long time to do it," he said of his long-awaited breakthrough win. "I feel like I did learn a lot that week.

"I felt very calm and in control and that's what everybody has kind of been saying. That's what you've got to feel and do when it's time to win. ­Today I stayed patient."

American Kirk, who led after the third round, finished in sole possession of ­second place at 16 under. He rolled in birdies on three of his last four holes to shoot a four-under 66.

Jerry Kelly, the 2002 ­champion, ­posted a 65 to take third place at 15-­under-par 265.

Harris English fired a three-under 67 on Sunday. He took fourth at 14 under, while Marc Leishman (65) grabbed fifth at 13-under 267.

At the par-three 17th, Walker hit his tee shot just inside six feet (1.83 meters) from the hole and he ran that putt in for a third straight birdie and a two-shot lead. He scrambled to a par at the par-five closing hole, then had to wait to see what would happen.

As Walker signed autographs, Kirk ran his eagle attempt past the hole.

"I made some birdies on the back, hit some really good shots, and made a really good par save and then hit some really good iron shots in," Walker said. "I made some good putts, and making those three birdies in a row was big."

Brian Stuard (67) was sixth at 12 ­under and Jeff Overton (68) ended in seventh at minus 11.

World No.2 Adam Scott (66), Matt Kuchar (66) and Zach Johnson (69) were among 12 ­players that shared eighth place at 10-under 270.

This is the first time Kirk has held a 54-hole lead and failed to win the event.

Kirk, who won his first US tour title at the 2011 Viking Classic, already owns a title this season from November's ­McGladrey Classic.

"I didn't look at the leader board until 17. I was just trying to play as well as I could," Kirk said.

"I just couldn't buy a putt until the very end there."

Since more than 78 players made the cut, there was a secondary cut on Saturday with eight players, including Scott Verplank and Joe Durant, failing to make it to the final round.

Agencies - Global Times