Jason Day was in the mix again as Brandt Snedeker broke his own scoring record to win the US PGA Tour’s Pebble Beach tournament for the second time in three years.

Snedeker shot a bogey-free final round of five-under-par 67 to claim a three-shot victory from Nick Watney (69) with fellow American Charlie Beljan (66) a further shot back in third.

Snedeker finished at 22-under 265, breaking his own 72-hole total from 2013 and setting the record for most under par.

Coming off his victory at Torrey Pines seven days ago and a bout of illness during the week, world No.4 Day charged into contention, getting within two shots of the lead, but two late bogeys at the 15th and 17th proved costly.

He still managed a 67, including five birdies and an eagle, and finished tied fourth with Dustin Johnson (66) and Pat Perez (68), five shots behind Snedeker.

Fellow Australian Matt Jones, who started the final round one shot off the lead, faded with a closing 73 to be a shot behind Day in a tie for seventh with Americans Jim Furyk (74) and Jordan Spieth (68).

Third-round leader Furyk, who has not won since 2010, struggled on his way to a two-over 74 and finished in a tie for seventh.

Furyk has now failed to win the last nine times he has held a 54-hole lead.

The timing of the win was important for Snedeker.

He fell out of the top 50 at the end of last year and was assured of playing only one major and no World Golf Championships unless he got his game back together.

The victory sends him to the Masters and US PGA Championship, and most likely all the World Golf Championships events.

“It feels awesome,” said Snedeker, who had fallen to 63rd in the world.

“I’m emotional right now. It’s been a long time since I felt this feeling and it’s really special.”

Sunday’s win was his first since the 2013 Canadian Open.

“It was a great day,” Snedeker said.

“I didn’t play perfectly, but I fought really well… I’m just so thankful that this week is over now. It was stressful.”