American Nick Watney held off compatriot Ken Duke in a last-day duel to claim his maiden PGA Tour title by two shots at the New Orleans Classic last night.
Two strokes in front overnight, Watney recovered from a stumbling start to shoot a three-under-par 69 in breezy conditions at the Tournament Players Club of Louisiana.
Spurred on by an eagle at the par-four fifth, the 25-year-old Californian finished on 15-under 273, ahead of playing partner Duke, who bogeyed the last for a 70.
PGA Tour rookie Anthony Kim fired the best round of the day, a nine-birdie 65 lifting him into a tie for third place with John Mallinger (67) at 11 under.
The tournament, which became a two-horse race in the final round, was effectively decided at the par-three 14th where Watney broke the deadlock by rolling in an eight-foot birdie putt.
Duke, who missed the green to the left off the tee, failed to get up and down to save par and dropped two shots behind. Both players parred the next three holes to give Watney a comfortable cushion playing the par-five last.
PGA Tour veteran Mark Calcavecchia closed with a 71 to share fifth place at 10 under with Bubba Watson and rookie Chris Stroud, who returned matching 69s.
Germany's Alex Cejka, boosted by three birdies in a row from the 10th, finished a further stroke back in a three-way tie for eighth after carding a 68.
