PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Rory Sabbatini’s shot barely beat the buzzer.

Holding a two-stroke lead at the Honda Classic, the South African stepped to the tee at the treacherous par-three 17th hole and lofted his drive to the middle of the green, avoiding the lake that had been collecting balls all week.

Moments later a horn sounded, signaling a suspension of play because of lightning. As rain began falling harder, Sabbatini walked briskly to his ball and happily marked it .

“I was pretty content to have it on the green at that time,” he said.

After a 28-minute delay he completed his march to the title, shooting an even-par 70 Sunday for a one-stroke win.