Eurosport - Mon, 03 Mar 00:18:00 2008
South African Ernie Els shot a final-round 67 to win the Honda Classic, his first victory on US soil in nearly four years.
The world number four finished on six under to pip Britain's Luke Donald by a shot and land his first US Tour title since the 2004 Memorial tournament.
Els, accompanied around the course by his sports psychologist, stormed into the lead with four birdies in the opening nine holes and he remained bogey free until the 17th.
"I am so excited - it has been a long time coming," he said. "It is a great feeling: I feel really relieved.
"It has been a tough ride for everyone but ultimately you have to believe you can do it."
A gusty breeze on a tough course made for a tight contest where a few errors were always going to make the difference.
Joint overnight leader Donald, who won this event in 2006, bogeyed four holes but was in with a chance right until the end of the par-five 18th.
From a decent fairway position, Donald drove his third shot far right of the hole on to the verge of the green but his chip fell short to end his hopes of forcing a playoff.
American Mark Calcavecchia had been neck and neck with Els through much of Sunday but his chance went with a bizarre double bogey on the 15th when a bunker shot from the back of the green rolled off the putting surface and lodged in the rocks.
Calcavecchia finished on three under par along with Australians Nathan Green, Robert Allenby and Matt Jones.Reuters
South African Ernie Els shot a final-round 67 to win the Honda Classic, his first victory on US soil in nearly four years.
The world number four finished on six under to pip Britain's Luke Donald by a shot and land his first US Tour title since the 2004 Memorial tournament.
Els, accompanied around the course by his sports psychologist, stormed into the lead with four birdies in the opening nine holes and he remained bogey free until the 17th.
"I am so excited - it has been a long time coming," he said. "It is a great feeling: I feel really relieved.
"It has been a tough ride for everyone but ultimately you have to believe you can do it."
A gusty breeze on a tough course made for a tight contest where a few errors were always going to make the difference.
Joint overnight leader Donald, who won this event in 2006, bogeyed four holes but was in with a chance right until the end of the par-five 18th.
From a decent fairway position, Donald drove his third shot far right of the hole on to the verge of the green but his chip fell short to end his hopes of forcing a playoff.
American Mark Calcavecchia had been neck and neck with Els through much of Sunday but his chance went with a bizarre double bogey on the 15th when a bunker shot from the back of the green rolled off the putting surface and lodged in the rocks.
Calcavecchia finished on three under par along with Australians Nathan Green, Robert Allenby and Matt Jones.Reuters
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