FINAL LEADERBOARD US unless stated -14 S Garcia -12 A Scott (Aus), D Love III, B Crane -10 R Imada (Jpn) -9 R Sabbatini (SA)

Garcia went round in 65 to beat three players tied on second place - Australia's Adam Scott and Americans Ben Crane and Davis Love III.

Overnight leader Tom Kite had a final round 74 to drop out of contention at the Potomac, Maryland course.

"The front nine was amazing. I probably putted the best I have in three or four years," said Garcia.

"I made a couple of bad shots coming in, but I've been playing well," added the Spaniard.

It was Garcia's sixth US PGA career win and first since the 2004 Buick Classic.

He was complaining to me how he never makes any putts Second place Adam Scott

Three of those, including the one on Sunday, have come a week before the US Open.

"I guess they should just move the US Open one week earlier," Garcia said.

"It's just one of those things. I have the chance to play great courses the week before. It's great preparation for the US Open."

Starting the day two shots behind Kite, Garcia made five birdies and an eagle in his first 10 holes to take the lead.

He then made two bogeys and a birdie over his final eight holes, but that proved enough for victory.

His victory was in start contrast with his failure in May, when he squandered a six-shot lead before losing to Vijay Singh in a play-off at the Wachovia Championship.

Australian Scott, who finished tied for second, had only himself to blame after offering Garcia some putting advice earlier in the week.

"He was complaining to me how he never makes any putts," Scott said.

"I offered my advice to him about a practice drill. Lo and behold, all I see him doing is picking the ball out of the hole. It's funny how things go like that."

South African Ernie Els shared seventh spot after three bogeys in a row starting on the 11th, ended his title bid.

World number one Vijay Singh of Fiji fired a 71 to finish on 279, the same score as Phil Mickelson after a closing 74.

Reigning US Open champion Retief Goosen of South Africa also recorded a 74 to finish on 286.