Nick Watney wins the Zurich Classic

NEW ORLEANS, April 22 (UPI) -- Nick Watney closed with a 3-under 69 Sunday to finish at 15-under 273 and win his first PGA Tour title by three shots at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Watney became the third straight first-time winner at the tournament and 17th first-time winner in tournament history.

"I am a little bit at a loss for words, but I'm just so happy and proud," Watney said. "I'm just so excited for this."

The title was worth $1,098,000.

Ken Duke (70) was second at 12-under 276. PGA Tour rookie Anthony Kim (65) and John Mallinger (67) shared third place at 11-under 277.

Chris Stroud (69), who made his first cut of the season this week, shared fifth place at 10-under 278 with Bubba Watson (69) and second-round Mark Calcavecchia (71).

The event had to be canceled last year after the course was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.