( CNN ) -- Bubba Watson held his nerve to secure a third win on the PGA Tour Sunday after the 32-year-old beat Webb Simpson in a playoff to clinch the Zurich Classic in New Orleans . The left-hander and fellow American Simpson both finished on 15-under par after final rounds of 69 and a second additional hole was needed to separate the pair . A fine approach shot out of a fairway bunker enabled Watson , who turned professional in 2003 , to find the cup with two putts and claim victory . The U.S. duo finished two shots clear of compatriots Jason Dufner and Tommy Gainey and South Korea 's K.J . Choi , who all ended the tournament on 13-under . Watson , who had won earlier this year at the Farmers Insurance tournament at Torrey Pines , slipped three-strokes behind Simpson , 25 , with only eight holes remaining of regulation play . `` This week , I won [ by ] not getting down on bad shots , just staying focused on what I 'm supposed to be doing , '' Watson told the PGA Tour 's official web site . Simpson was hit with a crucial one-stroke penalty on the 15th hole when he was penalized after his ball moved on the green while he was contemplating his next shot . `` I better limit my comments on that rule , because I think it 's such a bad rule , '' said Simpson . `` When the wind or other natural things affect the golf ball , the player should n't be penalized . ... It was just unfortunate , but Bubba deserves a win , and I 'm pretty happy for him . '' Watson sympathized with his opponent and acknowledged the punishment handed out to Simpson played a part in his victory . `` If I did n't win , he would have been a nice guy to have win . We went to a playoff , so obviously one shot is the difference . ... It 's a sad way to win , but I won . '' Australia 's Matt Jones finished tied with American George McNeill on 12-under in sixth , with five players , including world number three Luke Donald , finishing one shot further back .
American Bubba Watson wins the Zurich Classic in New Orleans . Watson beats compatriot Cody Simpson on the second extra hole . World number three Luke Donald finishes three strokes back on 12-under par .