Watney gets his first win on tour

Nick Watney won the Zurich Classic at Avondale, La., for his first PGA Tour title, closing with a three-under-par 69 on Sunday for a three-stroke victory over Ken Duke.

Watney, a 25-year-old from Sacramento in his third year on the tour, had a 15-under 273 total at the TPC Louisiana. Duke, who also was seeking his first victory, shot a 70.

“I’m living a dream right now,” Watney said, wearing Mardi Gras beads as winners in New Orleans traditionally do. “I’ve played in close to the last group sometimes, and I’ve seen guys go through it. But it’s definitely more fun to actually do it. I’m trying to soak it all in.”

Watney, fifth in two tournaments last year, lost the lead when he missed a three-foot par putt on the par-four 10th. He bounced back with a birdie on the par-five 11th and went in front for good with a birdie on the par-three 14th.

On the 14th, Duke’s tee shot landed short and left of the green, his chip went seven feet past the pin and he missed the par putt coming back to fall two shots behind.

Watney parred the last four holes, missing the fairway only once off the tee and hitting every green in regulation.

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Defending champion Jay Haas won the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf at Savannah, Ga., making up four shots in the last eight holes before beating Tom Kite in a playoff for his second Champions Tour victory this season.

Haas closed with a two-under 70 for a three-round total of 207, then won on the first extra hole for his eighth senior circuit victory. Kite (68) had been 3-0 in senior playoffs.

Haas has nine wins on the PGA Tour and eight on the Champions Tour. This was the first time he successfully defended a championship.