Steve Stricker of the USA survived a final round wobble to win the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua in Hawaii by three shots from Scotland's Martin Laird.
Stricker began the last round five shots ahead of Martin Laird, Jonathan Byrd and Webb Simpson. But after just six holes that lead was down to one. Both Laird and Byrd fired three birdies in the first third of the round while Stricker could do no better than five pars and a bogey.
"It was tough," said Stricker. "I never let up today. It's always tough trying to win, and it's even more tough when you have a lead like I did. I'm very proud of what I did today."
Scotland's Martin Laird birdied the final hole to secure second place on his own. He was pleased with his performance and full of admiration for the champion.
"I think probably the most underrated player in the world is Steve Stricker," he said.
For much of the back nine Jonathan Byrd looked the man most likely to upset Stricker's march to victory. He was only two behind on the 16th when he knocked his approach shot in close. But Stricker matched his accuracy and both converted for birdie. When Byrd made a bogey at the 17th, his chance was gone.
1 Steve Stricker (USA) 68 63 69 69 269 $1,120,000 2 Martin Laird (Sco) 68 70 67 67 272 $650,000 T3 Jonathan Byrd (USA) 67 71 67 68 273 $369,000 T3 Webb Simpson (USA) 68 68 69 68 273 $369,000 T5 K.J. Choi (Kor) 70 73 69 65 277 $245,000 T5 Harrison Frazar (USA) 74 69 66 68 277 $245,000 T7 Chris Kirk (USA) 75 66 70 67 278 $190,000 T7 Bryce Molder (USA) 71 70 67 70 278 $190,000 T9 Ben Crane (USA) 72 71 68 68 279 $165,000 T9 Rory Sabbatini (RSA) 73 70 68 68 279 $165,000 T9 Johnson Wagner (USA) 72 72 68 67 279 $165,000
