Hunter Mahan fires five birdies on back nine to win Barclays by two shots

American golfer Hunter Mahan fired away five birdies on the back nine in a closing 65 for a two-stroke win at The Barclays, the first of the four FedEx Cup play-off events.

Mahan finished on 14 under at the Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey for his sixth PGA Tour victory. Stuart Appleby also shot a 65 to share second with overnight leader Jason Day.

Northern Irish golf ace Rory McIlroy, who has won his last three tournaments including two major titles, closed with a 70 for a share of 22nd, nine strokes adrift, The BBC reported.

Despite a bogey at the last, Mahan earned his first PGA Tour victory since April 2012 and his sixth overall to propel himself into contention for one of Tom Watson's Ryder Cup wildcards. The California native twice represented the United States in the competition but missed out two years ago at Medinah.

Mahan said that it is the goal of every American and European player to play in the Ryder Cup, adding that it means so much to them on both sides. He said that it is such a great competition and it brings out the best in everyone.

Mahan said that it would be a huge bonus to be a part of the US team for the Ryder Cup.