Leishman wins first title

Associated Press

CROMWELL, CONN.

Marc Leishman shot an early 8-under 62 and won the Travelers Championship for his first PGA Tour title Sunday when Charley Hoffman blew a two-stroke lead.

The 28-year-old Australian began the day six strokes behind the leaders, but made eight birdies and no bogeys, then sat in the clubhouse for over two hours and watched. He finished at 14-under 266.

Hoffman was 16 under heading to the 17th hole, but pushed his tee shot right and into the water. He made a double bogey, and bogeyed the 18th after failing to get up and down from a greenside bunker.

Hoffman closed with a 66 to tie for second with Masters champion Bubba Watson, who shot a 65.

Leishman became the fifth player in seven years to break through with their first tour win at River Highlands, joining Fredrik Jacobson last year, Watson in 2010, Hunter Mahan in 2007 and J.J. Henry in 2006.

Leishman’s 62 was the lowest score in a final round by a champion on tour this season.

“I didn’t think it was going to be enough,” he said. “Golf is a funny game, a really funny game.”

Rory Sabbatini finished six shots behind the leader, but took home a gold Rolex after making the first hole-in-one of his tour career. His shot on the 161-foot 16th hole hit and spun left into the hole.

“I kind of joked in the middle of the ball flight, and I said, ‘Be the right one and go in the hole,’” he said.

Hunter Mahan shot a career-low 61 and tied for 11th after he came within a stroke of missing the 54-hole cut.