Payne Stewart captured his first PGA Tour title in four years without hitting a ball, as rain washed out the fourth round of the Pebble Beach National ProAm in California.

Stewart finished 10 under par on 206 to defeat fellow American Frank Lickliter by one stroke. It was his 10th career PGA title and he said: "That's a milestone. It's special. I knew I was going to win again. I hope I won't be criticised for the way I won. I would like to think I would have won over 72 holes."

Stewart had coped well throughout the previous day, when wet and windy conditions resulted in most carding over-par scores, and he countered four bogeys with three birdies for a one-over-par 73. With the tournament being staged on three courses, Stewart also had luck on his side. He played the Spyglass Hill layout, which snakes through tall Monterey pines and is much more protected than the wide-open oceanside Pebble Beach course.

"It definitely wasn't a day to be at Pebble Beach. Those holes along the ocean must have been vicious," admitted Stewart. Twice a runner-up in the event, Stewart birdied the difficult 18th hole to reach 10-under for the tournament to retain the lead, which eventually gave him the title after the cancellation of the last round. Lickliter, who also played Spyglass, posted another of the third round's precious few sub-par rounds, carding a two-under 71 for a nine-under 207 total.

Veteran Craig Stadler shot a 72 to sit alone in third place at seven-under 209, one stroke ahead of Fred Couples, Ronnie Black, Justin Leonard and Jay Williamson.