Tiger Woods, in his first tournament of the year, clinched a record fourth Buick Invitational title with victory after a three-way play-off.
The world number one parred the second extra hole, the 227-yard 16th, to edge out 2002 champion Jose Maria Olazabal, who missed a par putt there from just four feet.
Australia's Nathan Green dropped out at the first extra hole, the par-five 18th, after running up a bogey-six.
The trio had finished the 72 regulation holes on 10-under-par 278 on the South Course at Torrey Pines, Woods and PGA Tour rookie Green carding 72s and Spaniard Olazabal closing with a 69.
It was the fourth play-off in the event in nine years.
"It was bunched out there and quite frankly I probably shouldn't have been in the play-off," Woods told reporters after securing his 47th PGA Tour victory. "I wasn't putting that well.
"But the guys weren't running away with it and I just hung in, hung in there. The conditions were a little difficult today.
"It's a nice place," added the US Masters and British Open champion, whose previous wins at Torrey Pines came in 1999, 2003 and last year. "I've been playing here since I was 12 and I really enjoy coming here."
India's Arjun Atwal, who missed a five-foot birdie putt at the last to miss out on a play-off spot, tied for fourth at nine-under 279 after signing off with a 71.
Level with Atwal were Americans Jonathan Kaye, who birdied the last five holes for a 68, John Rollins (69) and Lucas Glover (71).
US PGA champion Phil Mickelson, also bidding for a fourth victory at the Buick Invitational, had to settle for a share of eighth place at eight-under after returning a 73.
Level with Mickelson was joint overnight leader Sergio Garcia, who battled to a seven-bogey 75.
