Pacific Palisades, United States: Bubba Watson captured the Northern Trust Open for the second time in three years Sunday, emerging from a crowded leaderboard to win by just one stroke.
The two-time Masters winner now heads to the first major championship of the season in seven weeks looking for his third green jacket.
The 37-year-old American, who also won this USPGA Tour event in 2014, birdied two of his final three holes en route to a three-under 68 for a 15-under 269 total.
Watson's playing partner Jason Kokrak fell just short in his quest for his first win on the US Tour as he closed with a three-under 68 to finish at 14 under and in a tie for second with Adam Scott.
Australia's Scott birdied Nos. 17 and 18 en route to a four-under 67.
Scott chipped out from 25 feet on 18 for a birdie and looked for awhile like he could be headed to a playoff but Watson sealed the victory with two-foot putt on 18.
Heading into this year's event, seven of the past 15 tournaments at Riviera had gone into a sudden-death playoff.
Rory McIlroy's hopes of launching his Masters preparations with a victory fell apart however after the world number three from Northern Ireland fired a final round four-over-par 75.
AFP
