American Couch seals dramatic win in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, May 1 (Reuters) American journeyman Chris Couch clinched his maiden PGA Tour title with a remarkable one-shot victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans yesterday.

The 32-year-old from Florida, who has played mainly on the minor Nationwide Tour, chipped in from off the green for an unlikely par-four at the last to complete a seven-under-par 65.

Two ahead with two to play, Couch ran up his only bogey of the day after finding a bunker off the tee at the par-three 17th.

Against the odds, he avoided another error on 18, despite finding another bunker after overhitting the green with his wedge approach and underhitting his third shot into a thick collar of rough.

Couch finished on 19-under 269 with playing partner and compatriot Charles Howell III (65) tied for second place with PGA Tour veteran Fred Funk, who shot a best-of-the-week 62.

US Masters champion Phil Mickelson, chasing his third title in a row, had to settle for a share of 15th after closing with a 69.

REUTERS DH RK0505