The victory was the 16th on the PGA Tour for Els, but his first since 2004. Els finished at 6-under-par 274.

Donald, who had shared the third-round lead, shot a 71 in the final round and just missed a birdie chip that would have forced a playoff with Els.

"I was actually pleased when I saw some breeze this morning when I got to the range," Els said. "I really played well today."

Els won $900,000.

Nathan Green closed with a 67 and placed third, another shot back.

Mark Calcavecchia and Matt Jones, who had been tied with Donald after three rounds, each carded a 73 and shared fourth-place with Robert Allenby (70), three strokes behind the leader.