Deutsche Bank: Chris Kirk wins in Boston to boost Ryder Cup hopes

Kirk's closing 66 secured him a third career PGA Tour title

Chris Kirk fired a five-under-par 66 to win the Deutsche Bank Championship and bolster his case for a Ryder Cup place.

The American played the final 36 holes alongside Rory McIlroy and outplayed the world number one, who signed for a 70 to finish four shots behind.

Kirk's 15-under total in Boston saw him win by two shots from Billy Horschel, Russell Henley and Geoff Ogilvy.

Ian Poulter, hoping for a wildcard pick to Europe's Ryder Cup team, closed with a 66 to finish at seven under par.

Kirk had been ranked 14th in the US Ryder Cup standings, five places off automatic qualification, but this win will push him firmly into the thoughts of captain Tom Watson, who names his three wildcard picks on Tuesday.

After posting a 73 on Friday, Kirk shot 66-64-66 over the next three rounds, finishing with bogey-free effort on Monday.

Starting the final day two shots behind third-round leader Henley, Kirk took the outright lead for the first time with a 25-foot birdie putt on the 13th hole.

He saved par from a bunker with a 15-foot putt on the 15th and at the next made a birdie putt from just over 12 feet to give himself a two-shot lead he would not relinquish.

"It's my biggest ever win," Kirk said. "I may be a little bit more calm, but I was still freaking out a bit inside."

Asked about his Ryder Cup wildcard hopes, the 29-year-old said: ``I definitely put myself in contention for one.

``If I get picked, great. If not, I'm still happy with my win today.''

Kirk's win sees him move into first place in the FedEx Cup standings, just ahead of Northern Ireland's McIlroy.

The Open champion had four bogeys by the 12th hole of his final round, leaving himself too much to do over the closing holes.

Poulter's closing 66 capped a decent weekend for the Englishman, who is expected to earn a wildcard spot from European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley on Tuesday thanks to his previous success in the competition.

Fellow Englishman Luke Donald, who is also hoping to earn one of the three places on offer, hit a final-round 67 to finish in a tie for 57th at level par.