Nick Watney shoots 61 to win in Malaysia

(AP) Nick Watney shoots 61 to win in Malaysia
By JOHN PYE
AP Sports Writer
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia
Nick Watney missed a chance for a 59 on Sunday in his CIMB Classic victory, closing with a bogey for a course-record 10-under 61 at The Mines.

Needing a birdie on the par-4 18th for a 59, Watney drove into the left rough, failed to reach the green with his approach and left his long birdie pitch just short of the putting surface.

The American finished at 22-under 262 and earned $1,098,000 in the unofficial PGA Tour event. The tournament will become a full-fledged PGA Tour event next year when the tour begins its new season in October after the FedEx Cup.

Defending champion Bo Van Pelt and Robert Garrigus tied for second, a stroke back. Needing a birdie on 18 to force a playoff, Van Pelt saved par for a 66. On Saturday, needing a closing birdie for a 59, he made a double bogey for a 62.

Garrigus also finished with a 66 in the official Asian Tour event.

Tiger Woods shot a 63 to tie for fourth at 19 under with Chris Kirk and Zimbabwe’s Brendon de Jonge. Kirk shot 67, and de Jonge had a 66.

The players were allowed to lift, clean and place their golf balls in the fairways because of wet conditons.

Watney won the FedEx Cup opener at Bethpage Black in August for his fifth official PGA Tour victory.