CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., March 10 (UPI) -- Former U.S. Amateur champion Matt Kuchar, with an ever-present smile, earned his first PGA Tour title in his 17th start Sunday, winning a shootout at the Honda Classic with a final-round 6-under-par 66.
Kuchar grabbed sole possession of the lead with a birdie at the 14th hole and never let go, holding off a group that included veteran Joey Sindelar, Brad Faxon and playing partner Brett Quigley.
A full-time member on the tour for the first time this season, the 23-year-old Kuchar finished the oft-suspended tournament with a 72-hole total of 19-under 269 and claimed the $630,000 top prize.
With a confident look and extraordinary short game, he also continued to silence critics that doubted his decision to remain at Georgia Tech for four seasons and delay his move to the professional ranks.
Kuchar passed up millions of dollars in endorsements after graduating in 2000 and took a job in finance.
The decision has paid off for Kuchar, who earned his tour card last year through a series of sponsor's exemptions, collecting more than $570,000 in just 11 starts. He has won over $820,000 in six events this year.
Unlike many players in contention, Kuchar was forced to play just 18 holes Sunday. Others returned to the TPC at Heron Bay at 7:30 a.m. EST after darkness halted play for the second day in a row Saturday.
Seeking his first title since 1990, the 43-year-old Sindelar bogeyed the 17th hole and tied Faxon for second at 17-under 271. Quigley bogeyed the last two holes and tied Billy Andrade and J.L. Lewis at 272.
Third-round leader Mike Weir shot a 75. He finished in a 10-way tie for 11th at 275.
