Early run lifts Pettersson to five-shot win
BY Associated Press
Monday, April 16, 2012
4/16/12 at 4:56 AM
Carl Pettersson had another fast start and finished with a 2-under 69 for a five-shot victory over Zach Johnson on Sunday in the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, S.C.
Pettersson had a run of five straight birdies on the front nine during the third round Saturday to move in front. This time, Pettersson birdied three of the first five holes and built a five-shot lead by the turn that he never relinquished. He finished at 14 under.
It was Pettersson's fifth career PGA Tour title and first since the 2010 Canadian Open. He tied countryman Jesper Parnevik for most wins on tour by a Swedish player.
Top-ranked Luke Donald needed to finish eighth or better to retain his ranking, but tied for 37th and will fall behind Rory McIlroy.
Johnson shot a 70 to finish second at 9 under, while Colt Knost's chances for his first PGA Tour title fell apart with a 74. He was third, another shot further back.
Kevin Stadler (68) and Billy Mayfair (69) tied for fourth at 6 under.
Masters winner Bubba Watson and most of the world's best took the week off to recover from the year's first major.
Allen wins Encompass Insurance Pro-Am: In Lutz, Fla., Michael Allen won the Encompass Insurance Pro-Am on Sunday for his second Champions Tour title, closing with a 3-under 68 for a three-stroke victory over Kenny Perry.
Allen finished the three-day event at 12 under. He took a five-shot advantage into the final round, tying the tournament record for the largest 36-hole margin.
Oosthuizen wins Malaysian Open: In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Louis Oosthuizen won the Malaysian Open, a week after losing a playoff to Bubba Watson in the Masters.
The South African completed a 3-under 69 in the rain-delayed third round, then closed with a 68 for a three-stroke victory over Scotland's Stephen Gallacher.
