PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA (REUTERS) - Paul Casey became the first player to successfully defend his Valspar Championship title when he secured a hard-fought one-stroke win over Louis Oosthuizen and Jason Kokrak in Florida on Sunday March 24).

Overnight leader Casey eked out a one-over-par 72 in the final round at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, where he hit a superb shot from a fairway bunker at the final hole and then two-putted for the win.

The 41-year-old Englishman finished at eight-under 276 for his third victory on the PGA Tour.

Long-hitting American Kokrak challenged Casey and was tied for the lead playing the final hole, which he bogeyed for a 71.

Sweet-swinging South African Oosthuizen (69) rued a bogey at the 16th hole.