Irwin Wins Again, but It’s No Breeze in Strong Wind

Hale Irwin is used to running away with tournaments. On Sunday, he nearly let one get away.

Irwin, usually at his best when he’s in front, blew almost all of a six-shot lead before steadying himself on the back nine to win the Las Vegas Senior Classic by a shot over Vicente Fernandez.

It was the second consecutive win for Irwin, and his third in seven tournaments on the Senior PGA Tour this year.

Irwin shot a four-over-par 40 on the front side of the TPC Summerlin course as his lead dwindled to a shot, before recovering with a solid final nine for a three-over 75 to win the $210,000 first prize.

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Trevor Dodds parred the first playoff hole to become another comeback winner at the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic, edging Scott Verplank for his first PGA Tour victory.

Dodds, who battled testicular cancer last season while playing the NIKE Tour, became the 15th different winner this season in as many PGA Tour events.

Dodds, who shot a final-round 69 for a 12-under 276 total, almost holed his approach shot on the 18th hole and birdied one the course’s toughest holes for the fourth day in a row. Verplank birdied 18 with a 30-foot putt to force the playoff.

On the playoff hole, Verplank hit his drive in the deep right rough and could only get within 60 yards of the green with his second shot.

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Liselotte Neumann cruised to a three-shot victory at the Chick-fil-A Charity Championship at Stockbridge, Ga. She shot a two-under 70 for her 12th victory.

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Dennis Paulson, formerly of Costa Mesa High, won the Nike Huntsville Open on the first playoff hole Sunday at the Highlands Course in Alabama.

Paulson, who won $40,500, made a 15-footer for par on No. 18 to force the playoff with Brent Schwarzrock of St. Simons Island, Ga. Paulson made par on the playoff hole and Schwarzrock had a double bogey. Paulson has won $61,397 this year.