DUBLIN, Ohio — Kenny Perry closed with a 3-under 69 today to win the Memorial, joining Tiger Woods as the only three-time winner of the tournament Jack Nicklaus built.

More importantly for Perry, the victory was a big step toward joining Woods at the Ryder Cup in his home state of Kentucky.

Perry played mistake-free along the back nine until he had a big cushion, and he coasted to a two-shot victory over Jerry Kelly, Justin Rose, Mike Weir and Mathew Goggin, who started the final round ahead by three and stumbled to a 74.

Perry, 47, became the oldest winner of the Memorial.

He finished at 8-under 280, the highest winning score in 23 years, and earned $1.08 million. That translates to 1,080 points toward the Ryder Cup, moving him up to No. 5 in the standings.

His victory comes five days after U.S. captain Paul Azinger said a player most likely would have to win a PGA Tour event to make the team, and Perry responded with practically flawless golf on a tough day.

Perry still has no plans to play in the U.S. Open, skipping the 36-hole qualifier tomorrow because he doesn't like Torrey Pines and figures he has a better chance to pile up Ryder Cup points elsewhere.

Dean Wilson, a Castle High alum, shot a 2-over-par 74 and finished tied for 73rd at 19-over, 307.

Parker McLachlin, a Punahou School alum, shot a 10-over-par 82 in the final round and finished at 20-over, 308 to finish 75th.