HILTON HEAD, S.C. — Boo Weekley’s first Verizon Heritage victory was a surprising relief. His latest? A joyful celebration that was a year overdue.
Weekley successfully defended his title Sunday at Harbour Town, closing with an even-par 71 for a three-stroke victory over Anthony Kim (71) and Aaron Baddeley (69).
Last year, Weekley needed chips-ins on the 71st and 72nd holes to beat Ernie Els by a stroke on a Monday morning for his first PGA Tour victory.
Weekley took a three-shot lead into the final round and watched it grow by mostly staying out of trouble.
“It was a lot easier than last year, wasn’t it?” a smiling Weekley said to his group on the 17th hole after his routine par.
Kim trailed by three at the start and, paired with Weekley, was in the best spot to pressure the leader. But Kim’s chance at a first PGA Tour title disappeared with a double bogey on the par-4 ninth.
Jim Furyk, ranked ninth in the world, was the hardest charger early, cutting a six-stroke deficit in half with three birdies in the first five holes. Furyk, though, fell back with a bogey on the 11th. He shot a 69 to finish fourth.
Watson rallies to defend Outback title
LUTZ, Fla. — Tom Watson successfully defended his Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am title, saving bogey after hitting into the water on No. 18 for a 1-under 70 and a one-stroke win over Jay Haas (64) and Scott Hoch (71).
