Golf: Singh ends drought in style

Vijay Singh cruised to his first PGA Tour title in two years with a tournament-record score at the Houston Open.

It was the most decisive win on the tour this season. Singh led by at least three strokes throughout the final round and eventually defeated Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland by six for his first title since the 2000 Masters.

After 24 top-10 finishes and four second places since then, the win was long overdue for the 39-year-old.

‘‘It took two years to do it, and I’m glad I did it,’’ said Singh, who won with a 72-hole total of 22-under 266.

Ranked eighth in the world, Singh’s winning margin was the biggest since Joel Edwards’ seven-shot win at the Air Canada Championship in September.

The Fijian native also posted the best four-round total on tour this season while setting the tournament record for strokes under par.

Curtis Strange and Lee Trevino both hit an 18-under 266 in 1980 when the TPC at the Woodlands was a par-71 but with the tournament in its final year at the course, Singh’s record-breaking was perfectly timed.

Clarke began the day three shots behind Singh but struggled to a 71, finishing alone in second in a rare PGA Tour appearance.

Two-time Masters winner Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain played in the final trio and was third at 273.

Singh will defend his title his 10th PGA Tour victory - at the new venue of the Redstone Golf Club next season.