JEREZ, Spain, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Padraig Harrington birdied three of the final four holes Sunday, running in an 20-footer at the 18th, to end the European Tour season on a winning note by capturing the Volvo Masters.
It was Harrington's first win of the year after having seven runner-up finishes. He edged fellow Dubliner Paul McGinley by a shot.
Harrington closed with a 6-under 66 that gave him a winning total of 11-under 204 in a tournament reduced to 54 holes by high winds that swept the course on Saturday.
McGinley, two ahead going into the final day, shot a 70 to finish at 205. His 25-foot birdie attempt at the final hole just stayed out.
Australian Adam Scott closed with a 65 to get to 206, but three putts at the 16th cost him his chance of applying pressure on Harrington and McGinley. Darren Clarke, a past champion and second last year, saw his chance disappear when he hit his second shot at the 16th into the water en route to a bogey. He finished tied for fourth.
Harrington finished second on the European money list behind Retief Goosen.
"This is by far the biggest the title I've won," Harrington said. "What maks it more special was the fact that it came after seven second-place finishes. You start to ask questions -- will you get the breaks and what did you do wrong? That makes it more special."
Harrington and McGinley now head for Japan where they will try to win the World Golf Championships-World Cup for their country.
