Advertisement

Graham the Survivor in Record 10-Hole Playoff

Share
From Associated Press

Although it took David Graham 10 extra holes to do it, he made history Sunday by beating Dave Stockton in a not-so-sudden death playoff at the Royal Caribbean Classic in Key Biscayne, Fla.

Graham won the longest playoff in PGA Senior Tour history by hitting his approach on the final hole--the par-four 18th--to within a foot of the cup, then making an easy birdie. The longest previous playoff lasted nine holes before Bob Murphy beat Jay Sigel last year at the Toshiba Classic in Newport Beach.

Graham and Stockton finished at 11-under-par 202 for the tournament, played at the par-71 Crandon Park Golf Club. Graham closed with a 67, including birdies on the last three holes to catch Stockton, who shot a 71.

Advertisement

*

Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn, angry at his exclusion from this year’s Masters field, won the Heineken Classic in Perth, Australia, by one stroke over Ian Woosnam of Wales.

With strong winds sending scores soaring, Bjorn finished with a two-over 74 to beat Woosnam, who shot a 76. Bjorn’s 280 total was eight under par over the demanding Vines Resort course.

Bjorn said he was spurred on by being the only one of 24 players in last year’s Ryder Cup not included in the Masters tournament in April.

Advertisement