The tour's reigning Rookie of the Year, Howell made up three strokes on overnight leader Jobe, posting a four-under-par 67.

The low round of the day at Kingsmill Golf Club left the wiry 23-year-old at 14 under for the championship, on 270.

Howell, who won the individual NCAA university championship at Oklahoma State in 2000, had finished in the top 10 just once in his previous 23 starts.

His best finish on the tour was a runner-up showing at Milwaukee last season.

Jobe, also seeking his first US PGA Tour victory, bogeyed two of the last three holes for a one-over 72.

He began the day with the lead but settled for his first career runner-up effort, tying Scott Hoch at 12-under 272.

Geoff Ogilvy of Australia was fourth at 273, a stroke better than veteran Billy Mayfair, who started the final round just a shot off the pace.