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By John Maginnes
PGATOUR.com Contributor

HILTON HEAD, S.C. -- We never even said Boo.

When we previewed the final round of the Verizon Heritage we talked about Ernie Els and Jerry Kelly. We may have said, "Nah, not Boo," but we didn't talk much about his chances of winning. Yet, it was the "Monarch of Milton" who donned the tartan jacket as the Verizon Heritage champion on Monday, marking the third consecutive year the tournament has seen a first-time winner.

Starting the day, Boo Weekley wasn't exactly the favorite to win in Hilton Head. (Cohen/WireImage)

There were questions about Boo after he missed a short putt on the 72nd hole that would have given him The Honda Classic title earlier this year. During the three-hour delay on Sunday, Boo was the most animated player hanging around the putting green. You probably won't be shocked to hear that Boo wasn't participating in the impromptu cricket match that the Aussies put together with a tennis ball and an out-of-bounds stake. No, he was hanging out with the caddies and the fans. He playfully joked with the idle gallery as he awaited word on the future of play.

Boo is nothing if not self-deprecating. His interviews are always entertaining. But all kidding aside, Boo has fought the long road through the mini-tours to the PGA TOUR. His first go-round a couple of years ago did not work out too well when he only made two cuts. But a successful stint on the Nationwide Tour gave Boo another chance at the big time, and on Monday he sealed the deal. The simple truth is that Boo has game -- big game.

While this edition of the Verizon Heritage will always be remembered as Boo's coming-out party, it also may offer a hint of things to come for Ernie Els. A birdie at the final hole pushed the "Big Easy" into solo second with a final-round 70.

At times during the last two rounds, Ernie appeared to be struggling with the tiniest pieces of his game. On Monday, though, he was not the least bit dejected. He said he had "no regrets" about his effort over the five days. That could be more important going forward than the second-place finish. Ernie's confidence had seemed shaken early in the year. His final-round 74 at the World Golf Championships-CA Championship dropped him out of the top 10, and two weeks later he missed the cut at the Masters. If Ernie can garner some confidence from his fine play at Harbour Town he will certainly be a factor in the near future.

This year's other three major championship golf courses -- particularly Oakmont, which hosts the U.S. Open in June -- all favor Ernie's game. With Ernie back on full throttle he should definitely be a contender in a tournament that he has already won twice -- the first time coming at, you guessed it, Oakmont.

As for Boo Weekley, who knows what is going to happen next? Monday was Boo's day and this was Boo's week. He gets to play in the Masters now, too, since the tournament announced last week it will invite winners of all PGA TOUR events that offer a full FedExCup allocation of points.

Boo Weekley on Magnolia Lane -- it sounds like a Will Ferrell movie. Maybe Owen Wilson can play Ernie.