HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C., April 21 (UPI) -- Justin Leonard went 18 holes without a birdie and missed a 12-inch putt on the back nine Sunday, but still was able to win the Worldcom Classic at Harbour Town Golf Links.
After carrying a three-stroke advantage into the final round, Leonard had 16 pars and two late bogeys en route to a 2-over-par 73. And although Leonard lost the lead, he took advantage of a double bogey by Heath Slocum at the 16th hole to move back in front and claim a one-shot victory.
Leonard shot a 2-over 73 for a 14-under total of 270. Two months short of his 30th birthday, he won for the seventh time on the PGA Tour and collected $720,000.
Slocum began the day four shots off Leonard's pace but carded a 71 and placed second at 271, his best finish in 18 PGA Tour appearances. He missed the cut in seven of his first 10 starts this season.
Phil Mickelson finished third for the third time in his last four events. He fell as many as five shots back before rallying late to finish at 272.
With no one making a charge on a windy afternoon, Leonard parred the first 12 holes, making par putts of 10, 8 and 25 feet at the seventh, 10th and 11. But a wild drive cost him a bogey at the 13th that left him tied with Slocum.
Leonard then missed a foot-long putt at the par-3 14th to give Slocum the lead.
But at the par-4 16th, Slocum drove into a waste area and needed two shots to get out. He then three-putted from the back fringe for a double bogey that gave Leonard the lead again.
Leonard protected it with a series of pars to claim his first victory since last year's Texas Open.
