Nick Watney Wins World Golf Championship-Cadillac Championship

Starting in his 175th PGA TOUR event, Nick Watney tasted victory for the third time in his career and first since 2009. Watney shot a final round 5-under par, 67, to chase down Dustin Johnson for the win. Johnson held a two stroke lead over Watney heading into Sunday. 

 
(Watney celebrates his birdie putt on 18. Photo PGATOUR.com)

A win by Watney shouldn't come as a surprise to many. In his first four starts in 2011, Watney has finished no worse than 9th place. His consistent play has put him in contention several times and a win in his 5th start moves him into 2nd place in the FedEx Cup standings. 

Watney made three key putts during his final six holes to solidify the win. An 18 foot putt on the 13th hole allowed him to save par and keep a one stroke lead. Just two holes later Watney misplayed his bunker shot leaving him a 25 foot par putt. Once again his putter was up to the task as he sent it into the center of the cup. 

Luck was on Watney's side as Duston Johnson made his first bogey of the round when he couldn't convert a par putt on the 16th hole. A birdie on 18 would give Watney a two stroke lead and after a 315 yard drive, Watney's approach left him with 12 foot birdie putt. Once again his putter answered the calling he made the putt. Johnson watched from the fairway and needed to hole out his approach. A valiant effort just missed the flag and left him 8 feet away, securing Watney's victory. 

Tiger Earns First Top 10 Finish of 2011

Coming into the WGC- Cadillac Championship much of the talk was focused on Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson being paired together for rounds one and two. It marked the 26th, 27th, and 28th times Tiger and Phil were paired together. Although Tiger won two out of the three rounds (first and third rounds), it wasn't until Sunday when he created a buzz.

A 6-under, 66, with one bogey and four birdies on the back nine including back to back birdies twice. He needed only 25 putts and his effort was good enough to move him into a five way tie for 10th. It was his first top 10 in a PGA TOUR event since the 2010 US Open, nearly 9 months ago. 

The PGA TOUR resumes next week with the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida.