Weekley clinches repeat victory at Hilton Head

ATLANTA (Reuters) - American Boo Weekley held his nerve over the treacherous closing stretch to complete a successful title defense by three shots at the Heritage Classic in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina on Sunday.

Three ahead of the chasing pack overnight, the 34-year-old fired a level-par 71 in blustery conditions at the Harbour Town Golf Links to secure his second PGA Tour career victory.

Despite struggling off the tee for most of the round, Weekley posted a 15-under total of 269 to become the first player to win consecutive titles at Hilton Head since Davis Love III in 1992.

Fellow American Anthony Kim, helped by three birdies in a row from the 13th, also carded a 71 to share second place with 2006 winner Aaron Baddeley of Australia (69).

"I slept good last night but protecting the lead I didn't hit it very well today," Weekley told reporters after piling up five birdies and five bogeys, two in the last three holes.

"I tried to go out there and just stick to the same game plan. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my 'A' game. I had my 'C' or 'D' game.

"I made some good key putts and I got it up and down a couple of times," he added.

"I just couldn't get nothing, actually didn't feel right, the swing didn't. The putter more or less kept me in the game."

Weekley, who won last year's title with spectacular chip-ins to save par on the final two holes, briefly forged five ahead with a birdie at the par-five second.