Boo Weekley successfully defended his Verizon Heritage title at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina after a level-final round proved enough for a three-stroke victory.

Weekley carded a 71 to finish 15 under but none of his challengers could make the necessary move to overhaul him.

Aaron Baddeley, the 2006 winner of this event, finished joint runner-up after a two-under 69 alongside Anthony Kim (71) with Ryder Cup star Jim Furyk a further shot back in fourth.

Nick Dougherty lost his chance of a career-best finish on American soil when a family illness led to him pulling out before the final round.

The 25-year-old from Liverpool, who was leading until running up a quadruple-bogey eight late in his second round, had been in joint 10th place after 54 holes.

It followed the earlier withdrawal of fellow Englishman Justin Rose with back trouble.

Dougherty was seeking to improve on his seventh place in last year's US Open and the event could also have given his Ryder Cup hopes a big boost because of the world ranking points on offer.

Londoner Brian Davis, who began the day 27th, finished in a share of 23rd after a 70 left him four under.