JUSTIN ROSE WON the WGC-Cadillac Championship by one shot from Bubba Watson, as Tiger Woods withdrew injured.
The Englishman posted a two-under-par final round of 70 to reach 16-under overall at the TPC Blue Monster in Doral, Florida.
He began the last day three shots behind Watson, but the overnight leader could only manage a two-over 74 to come in outright second at 15-under.
Unable to control the lengthy drives that had served him so well earlier in the competition, the left-hander missed a 10-foot birdie putt on 18 which would have forced a playoff.
“There’s been a lot of hard work going on in my game,” Rose said. “And days like this make it all worthwhile.”
I really enjoyed playing with Bubba Watson for three days. And going out one group ahead of the leaders is never a bad thing.But the two shots he hit into 18 had me sweating.
Watson’s fellow American, PGA champion Keegan Bradley, was tied for second with Rose at the beginning of the day, but dropped into a share of eighth after an error-strewn three-over 75.
Rory McIlroy, the world number one, carded an impressive five-under 67 to earn outright third at 14-under.
South African Charl Schwartzel, the US Masters champion, finished tied fourth alongside Swede Peter Hanson.
Australian John Senden shot the joint lowest round of the final day, with a seven-under 65 earning him a share of sixth alongside world number two Luke Donald.
Former world number one Tiger Woods is set to draw attention for the wrong reasons after he withdrew on the 12th hole of his final round.
Woods indicated to PGA Tour media officials he was suffering from a left knee injury, while remarks from the player’s camp later suggested a tight left Achilles was to blame.
A 14-time major winner, Woods has undergone multiple operations on his left leg in the past, with fitness problems a major factor in his decline from the sport’s summit.
It remains to be seen if the injury will jeopardise his participation at the first major of the season, the US Masters, which begins at Augusta National on 5 April.
There will be no such concerns for Rose, who pockets a cheque of US$1.4 million for the 11th victory of his professional career.
