A brilliant start to his final round set Billy Mayfair on his way to a two-stroke win in the Buick Open at Grand Blanc, Michigan yesterday.

Mayfair took the lead with a scrambled birdie on the par-five opening hole, chipped in for another birdie on the second and then led the rest of the way, carding a 67. Scott Verplank pushed hard, shooting a final round 64 but could only finish two strokes back for second place.

Tiger Woods, playing in his first tournament since the British Open, shot 68 for a shore of fourth. "I accomplished what I wanted this weekend. I wish I had won but all the parts of my game are really starting to fall into place, so I'm glad I played."

Second round leader and defending champion Vijay Sing finished a stroke behind on 277.