Mickelson was the only one of the trio to drive

Which against two of Americas's best, Phil Mickelson, who had led or shared charge for that first three rounds possibly at one stage had looked to be on the right track to a back-to-back triumph following his win at Pebble Beach last week, and Keegan Bradley, the joint-third round leader with Mickelson and the USA's latest major winner, being previously victorious at long last year's PGA Championship.

The 29-year-old Haas had earlier carded a closing 2-under 69 to earn a share in the 72-hole lead with Mickelson and Bradley, each whom closed with level-par 71s for matching 7-under 277s.

Mickelson was the only one from the trio to drive well around the second extra hole, a driveable par four. But it was Haas, despite landing within the rough, who finished Titleist 910 D2 Driver the higher with the three, chipping to the green and then sinking that astonishing birdie putt that could put severe pressure on his rivals.

Neither had the ability to land a birdie of their, and in the end needed to bow to the stronger-closing Haas.

Haas even surprised himself with his masterful winning putt.

"I never anticipated to create a 40-footer, especially in this situation," he told the media afterwards.

"That would be a bit of luck involved, but Mizuno MP-69 Irons felt like I put a good roll on it, also it was meant to be, I guess."

For Bradley and Mickelson, the 3rd round leaders, Sunday was a day's frustration, but neither let their disappointment stop them from lauding Haas.

"We're thinking it's really a very difficult three, it's a defensive hole. You're just working to make four.

"It's only 290 yards, 280 yards, but you're scheming to make par. He found themselves building a 50 to 60-footer understanding that would definitely take discount golf clubs action."

Mickelson missed his birdie chance through the back right bunker while Bradley's attempt, a 15-foot putt in the fringe, slid past the right edge of the cup.