Former Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer narrowly missed out on his first victory in five years in the Crowne Plaza Invitational.

Langer lost out in a play-off with South African Rory Sabbatini and Jim Furyk at Colonial, Sabbatini making a birdie on the first hole of sudden death.

The 49-year-old German then missed from eight feet to match Sabbatini's birdie. The trio had finished tied on 14 under par in the rain-delayed event after firing matching closing rounds of 67. American Pat Perez was fourth on 12 under.

Langer had led by two shots midway through the round but bogeyed the 12th and needed a birdie on the 17th and scrambled par on the 18th to get into the play-off.

Although he failed to end his title drought after losing out to Sabbatini, Langer was pleased to be in contention again and paid tribute to the South African, who held his nerve to sink a lengthy putt and claim his fourth PGA Tour title.

"Rory made a great putt," Langer said. "He was quite a bit further away than me — several feet — and hit it right in
the middle of the hole. I looked at the putt and felt very comfortable with my read, but I pushed it. I'm disappointed I didn't win but at the same time I'm  encouraged with my game.

"It's the best I've played for a while and that's very encouraging."