Golf Betting
In the battle to be called America’s top golfer, score another one for Nick Watney. The 30-year-old Californian separated himself from a crowded field to win the AT&T National by two shots, his second victory of the season and further proof of Watney’s emergence as an elite talent.
Watney entered the final round at Aronimink GC tied for the lead with Rickie Fowler on 9-under. While Watney opened strong with birdies on the first and third holes, Fowler faltered out of the gate. The 22-year-old phenom sustained a double-bogey on No. 2 and never recovered en route to a 74 and a tie for 13th.
Watney suffered no such mishaps. His bogey-free final round of 66 followed a course-record 62 on Saturday and placed Watney squarely in contention to be called America’s best in 2011. Watney moved to 10th in the world ranking, behind countrymen Steve Stricker (5), Phil Mickleson (6) and Matt Kuchar (8), but atop the PGA Tour money list.
The victory over a difficult course, paired with his March triumph at the World Golf Championships event at Doral, showed Watney has shaken off the final-round 81 that cost him last year’s PGA Championship. In fact, Watney’s become comfortable with Sunday pressure.
“It’s a very addictive feeling to be out there and under the gun,” he said, “and to be able to hit good shots and putts is why I play.”
K.J. Choi finished second at 11-under followed by the trio of Charles Howell III, Jeff Overton and Adam Scott at -9.
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