NEW ORLEANS, May 28 - American Jeff Maggert ended a seven-year title drought with a rousing finish and three-shot victory at the St. Jude Classic in Memphis, Tennessee on Sunday.

Boosted by a 36-foot eagle putt at the 16th, Maggert fired a five-under-par 65 for a nine-under total of 271 at the TPC at Southwind.

Three off the pace overnight, the 42-year-old picked up shots at two of the first three holes and put his third PGA Tour victory beyond doubt by rolling in a 33-footer to birdie the par-four 17th.

His previous Tour success came at the 1999 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, where he clinched the biggest cheque of his career after starting the tournament as the 24th seed.

"Seven years goes by fast and I played a lot of good golf in that span," a smiling Maggert told reporters. "I didn't win but they were seven good years for me.

"I've struggled a little bit this year and the putter has really slowed me down. But today the putter definitely helped me through.

"I've had a great time playing golf out here and I would have bet I would've won more times by now but, with five kids at home, I have a lot of other priorities that are important to me in my life.

"I'm very fortunate I can come out here and still win at the age of 42."

Compatriot Tom Pernice junior, co-leader overnight, returned a 71 to secure second place at six under with 1996 champion John Cook (71) a further two strokes back in a share of third, alongside fellow American Kris Cox (72).

Tim Herron, winner of last week's Colonial tournament and the other pacesetter at the start of the day, battled in the firm, fast-running conditions. He ran up two double-bogeys on his way to a 77 and a tie for 16th at level par.

TIDIEST DISPLAY

Maggert, who had missed the cut in his last three PGA Tour starts, produced the tidiest display of golf on another difficult day of scoring at Southwind.

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