(CNN) -- American golfer Bill Haas said he was "very lucky" after securing the biggest win of his career on Sunday. The 29-year-old beat U.S Ryder Cup star Hunter Mahan on the third playoff hole at the Tour Championship in Atlanta to clinch the PGA's season-ending FedEx Cup and $11.44 million in prize money. Haas needed a dramatic save after hitting a water hazard before going on to sink a four-foot putt on the par-three 18th hole at East Lake to finally see off his compatriot, after the duo had finished tied on eight under par through 72 holes. The dramatic triumph saw Haas -- whose father Jay played in the Ryder Cup on three occasions and won nine times on the PGA Tour -- leap from 25th in the FedEx Cup standings to claim the $10 million jackpot.
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Bill Haas clinches the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup titles after playoff
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American claims $11.44 million in prize money at end-of-season event in Atlanta
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He defeats U.S. Ryder Cup star Hunter Mahan to seal his big-money triumph
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World No. 1 Luke Donald ties for third, ending his hopes of historic double
"I guess this is what the FedExCup is all about," said @placeholder, who would have claimed victory in the series if he had finished alone in third.