Huston Plays Alone and Stands Alone in the End

Playing by himself after Fred Couples withdrew because of a back injury, John Huston came from four shots behind Sunday to shoot a six-under 66 and win the Doral Open by three strokes.

Huston was alone over the first 11 holes at Doral’s Blue Monster course after Couples--his scheduled playing partner--withdrew before teeing off.

“I hit one ball (in practice) and it felt like my back exploded,” said Couples. “I stood there and absolutely could not move.”

Huston had only a walking scorer and the gallery for company until the 12th hole, when Brian Claar, who had completed play, came out to join him. “It worked out OK,” Huston said. “When Brian came out, it kind of helped me pace myself coming home.”

Huston finished at 14-under 274 in his third victory--all in Florida--in seven years on the tour.

Billy Andrade and Brad Bryant shared second at 277.