Hunter Mahan is set to head into next week's Masters Tournament as the highest-ranked American after he claimed a single-stroke victory at the Shell Houston Open.
Mahan held his nerve on the difficult 18th to claim a par and hold of Sweden's Carl Pettersson, who saw a birdie putt on the same hole fall narrowly short.
On a day when low scoring came at a premium Mahan's one-under 71 was enough as playing partner and overnight leader Louis Oosthuizen's challenge fell apart with a three-over 75.
Mahan's success moved him to the top of the FedEx Cup standings while the 29-year-old is projected to move up to fourth in the world rankings ahead of the first major of the year at Augusta.
