woodand wins transitions

Gary Woodland clinched his first PGA Tour victory with success at the Transitions Championship, as overnight leader Justin Rose wilted in the Florida sun.

Woodland was beaten in a play-off earlier in the season, but there was no repeat scenario as he holed a clutch par putt on his 72nd hole and it proved enough to seal victory as Webb Simpson bogeyed the same hole to hand the 26-year-old a one-shot win.

The victor produced some fine play down the closing stretch, which included a stunning birdie on the par three 17th and it enabled him to card a closing 67 for a 72-hole total of 15-under. The win brings with it a spot at the Masters and the Players Championship, along with a two-year PGA Tour exemption.

Simpson had the chance to force a play-off but after making a fine par on the difficult 17th, he bogeyed 18. Rookie Scott Stallings put himself in contention challenge for the title by moving 14-under at one stage, but his challenge fizzled out when he found water on 16.

Rose’s challenge petered out in disappointing fashion, as he went on a run of four straight bogeys either side of the turn. After making a birdie at five to get to 14-under, the usually solid Rose fell to pieces and he failed to gain any real momentum and he was left to sign for a 74 which left him in a tie for fifth.

Any thoughts Sergio Garcia had about making a charge on Sunday were derailed early on as bogeys on four, five, six and eight halted his charge. The Spaniard got his round on track with birdies at nine, 12 and 14 but it was only good for a share of 15th place.

World No. 1 Martin Kaymer failed to fire but produced some solid play on Sunday to post a 69 – which left him at six-under for the tournament, the same score as Italian youngster Matteo Manassero