Graeme McDowell wins RBC Heritage

Graeme McDowell beat Webb Simpson at the first play-off hole to win the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links and claim his first non-major PGA Tour title.

Conditions were extremely tough on the final day, with 20-30 mps winds buffeting the coastal Carolina course. Indeed, only three rounds in the 60s were posted.

One of those came from McDowell, who was four under for his round and one clear of the field on ten-under-par standing on the 72nd tee.

But he made his only bogey of the day at the tough 18th to fall into a play-off with Simpson, who shot a final-round 71.

Luke Donald finished in a tie for third alongside Kevin Streelman on seven-under-par, one clear of veteran Jerry Kelly.

Overnight leader Charlie Hoffman, who started the day on 11 under, stumbled to a six-over-par 77 to finish in a three-strong group in a tie for sixth.

In the play-off, McDowell enjoyed a change in fortunes. This time, his approach on the 18th found the middle of the green and he two-putted for his first PGA Tour win since the 2010 US Open.

"I guess the weather was kind of what the doctor ordered for me today. I needed an opportunity to get close to the leaders," said the Ulsterman.

"It's great to win what I'm going to call my first authentic PGA Tour win, my first one as an official member.

"This game kicks you more often than if gives you a pat on the back. It's hard to win."

RBC Heritage Hilton Head April 18-21, purse $5,800,000, par 71

1) Graeme McDowell (NIR) 71 67 68 68 = 275 $1,044,000 2) Webb Simpson (USA) 68 71 65 71 = 275 $626,400 T3) Luke Donald (ENG) 69 68 71 69 = 277 $336,400 T3) Kevin Streelman (USA) 66 70 69 71 = 277 $336,400 5) Jerry Kelly (USA) 69 72 66 71 = 278 $232,000 T6) Charley Hoffman (USA) 66 70 66 77 = 279 $194,300 T6) Chris Stroud (USA) 70 70 69 70 = 279 $194,300 T6) Russell Henley (USA) 73 70 67 69 = 279 $194,300

Bold signifies Titleist ball usage