Crane took the lead by holing two putts over 45 feet for birdies, but followed with a few costly mistakes later. He nevertheless persevered and beat at the finish line Michael Sim, Brandt Snedeker and Marc Leishman. Crane had a successful two-foot putt on the 18th hole to secure victory.

Crane, who has a reputation as a slow player, learned last he triumphed on the fairways of Torrey Pines.

He also made a point of honor not to look at the scoreboard during the final round and did not know the result before Ryuiji Imada not commend on the 18th green. Even while undergoing treatment for his back after his victory, he refused to discuss the outcome and preferred to focus on the process.

“I think it’s OK to forget it for the evening, he said, smiling. It’s really ‘cool’ to know that I’m going in the right direction.”

It was the third career victory Crane on the PGA Tour, and he earned a ticket to the Masters.

The last time that Crane made headlines was for statements he had not done in a gossip magazine.

Michael Allen, who celebrated his 55th birthday on Sunday, achieved a score of 65 during the final round to finish tied for fifth, along with Ernie Els (69), Rickie Fowler (70) and Alex Prugh (66).

Stephen Ames of Calgary shot 73 and finished tied for 33rd.