Schwartzel wins by 11 in Thailand Championship, Watson ties second

CHONBURI, Thailand -- Charl Schwartzel shot a 7-under 65 for the third time at the Thailand Golf Championship, wrapping up a dominating victory by 11 shots.

Schwartzel led from the first round and never slowed down, finishing with a 25-under total of 263 at the Amata Spring Country Club for the South African's first victory since last year's Masters. This year's Masters winner Bubba Watson also shot a 65 to finish in a tie for second with Thai golfer Thitiphun Chuayprakong, who finished with a 70.

Schwartzel ended his 20-month win drought in emphatic style. The South African, who had held the lead from Day 1, started the final day five shots clear. He had six 3s on his card as he turned in 4-under 32 and he added three more on the back nine to complete the romp and claim his first title since his 2011 Masters win at Augusta National.

"It's been a while and I have been knocking on the door for quite some time," said Schwartzel, who made just one bogey all week. "Winning is not as easy as everyone thinks it is.

"It's nice to finish the year with a nice win here and play some decent golf."

Schwartzel finished second here last year, when Lee Westwood won it by seven.

Sergio Garcia of Spain shot a 70 and was fourth in the Asian Tour event, 12 shots back. He raised hopes of a final-round charge with two birdies in his first three holes, but couldn't make further progress.

England's Simon Dyson climbed to sixth after finishing with a 68 while defending champion Westwood had to settle for tied 11th after his third 2-under 70 of the week.