By BY BRUCE HIXON – SPORTS EDITOR
Boo Weekley felt the agony of defeat last month when he missed a three-foot putt on the 72nd and final hole that cost him the championship of the Honda Classic.
He avoided a similar fate Monday when he nailed a couple of par-saving chips on his last two holes to capture the Verizon Heritage, which was held at Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Weekley had rounds of 67, 69, 66 and 68 for a four-day total of 270, one shot better than Ernie Els, who carded a 271. Weekley trailed Els by a stroke going into the final day of competition. Weekley's victory netted him $972,000.
It was the first professional win for Weekley, who graduated high school at Milton, Fla., and resides in nearby Jay, Fla.
Weekley's win gives him the distinction of being the first PGA Tour winner to qualify for next year's Masters Tournament.
Weekley is a member of the Country Club of Brewton where the Boo Weekley Invitational is held each summer. Last year's event drew approximately 150 players. A similar number is expected for this year's event, which will be held Aug. 18-19.
Weekley often plays the Country Club of Brewton course.