MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT FINAL LEADERBOARD (US unless stated)
-8 K Perry -6 J Rose (Eng), J Kelly, M Weir (Can), M Goggin (Aus) -2 L Donald (Eng), R Mediate, S Lowery -1 G Ogilvy (Aus)
Selected others: +2 P Mickelson +6 S Garcia (Sp) +8 I Poulter (Eng) +9 P Casey (Eng)
 Perry was three shots off Goggin's overnight lead |
American Kenny Perry held off the challenge of England's Justin Rose to clinch the Memorial Tournament in Ohio. Perry, 47, fired 69 to finish on eight under, two clear of Rose (71), Mike Weir (71), Jerry Kelly (71) and overnight leader Mathew Goggin (74). England's Luke Donald carded 73 to finish in a group tied for sixth on two under, while world number two Phil Mickelson ended on two over. "I was great mentally out there but the putts just didn't go in," said Rose. "Winning is all about making the putts at the right time and I had a hot putter this week and I felt I was hitting decent putts, but I didn't quite have the confidence in the read." Rose had started well with two early birdies and built up further momentum with an eagle from a greenside bunker at the par-five seventh.  | I felt I was hitting decent putts, but I didn't quite have the confidence in the read |
But back-to-back bogeys at the 12th and 13th dented his challenge and ultimately proved costly. "I've just come off three missed cuts in a row to finish second, so I guess I'll take it," he said. "But at the same time, I really felt like it could have been my day." But Rose's performance moved him upto sixth place in the latest world rankings - and the only European in the top 10. Winner Perry, who was in a tie for second three shots off the lead going into the last day at Muirfield Village, posted his 10th PGA Tour victory and also became the oldest Memorial champion. He said: "It was probably one of the greatest rounds I remember in a long time, playing in tough conditions," said the 47-year-old, who become only the second player after Tiger Woods to win the Jack Nicklaus-hosted event three times. "I shot three under on the front nine and it could have been six under. I had it close on every hole. My iron shots were precise. "I've had an unbelievable month. I'm hitting my driver terrific, my irons are on the money and I've got great touch with the putter." He moved up to fifth in the US Ryder Cup rankings and is line for a second cap after making his debut in 2004, this time in his home state of Kentucky.
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