Hilton Head Island, April 17:

Boo Weekley chipped in on the final two holes to hold off Ernie Els and win the Verizon Heritage on Monday. Weekley looked as if he would give back all of a three-shot lead after his bogey on the 16th and his muffed chip behind the 17th green. Weekley followed the blunder with a 40-foot, par-saving chip to keep a one-stroke lead. But then Weekley had his troubles on 18th. He chipped across the green and into the fluffy rough down a short slope. Once again, Weekley’s short game saved him, this time rolling it from 36 feet away.

The Big Easy lost his chance on 17th, driving into the hazard behind the green for a bogey. Els made things interesting, though, putting his second shot — and last opportunity to tie — at the 18th inside 2 feet. Weekley finished with a 68, one in front of Els (70 ) and two ahead of Stephen Leaney (68). Zach Johnson continued his inspired play with a 71 to finish sixth.

Along with $972,000 and a US PGA Tour exemption through 2008, Weekley becomes the first tour winner to qualify for next year’s Masters.