Hilton Head Island, S.c. — Graeme McDowell defeated fellow U.S. Open champ Webb Simpson in a playoff to win the RBC Heritage yesterday for his second career victory on the PGA Tour.
McDowell was four shots behind when the round started, but rallied with a closing 69 over wind-blown Harbour Town Golf Links. The 2010 U.S. Open champ had his only bogey of the day on the 72nd hole to force a playoff with Simpson, the reigning U.S. Open titleholder.
McDowell struck his approach on the extra hole about 15 feet away and two-putted for par. Simpson could not answer, missing about a 10-footer for par.
Luke Donald and Kevin Streelman tied for third.
McDowell’s win ended a tough day in which only three players shot in the 60s.
Donald shot a 69 while Streelman had a 72. Jerry Kelly rounded out the top five after his even-par 71.
Charley Hoffman, the 54-hole leader, ballooned to a 77 and fell into a tie for sixth.
Both McDowell and Simpson had the chance to win on the 72nd hole. McDowell missed a 12-foot par putt. Simpson had a 22-footer for birdie on the 18th, but sent it 3 feet past to lead to the tournament’s third playoff in four years.