Sutton’s Patience Pays Off

Hal Sutton did more than come close this time.

Sutton came back from three shots off the pace and shot a three-under-par 69 in windy conditions Sunday for a three-stroke victory over Joe Durant and Lee Janzen in the Houston Open.

After finishing second in 1994 and 1999, Sutton made sure he got the winner’s check.

“This is one that I wanted more than anything,” Sutton said. “I’ve been close here so many times, so close and yet so far, so this is really good. I knew it would be tough. Today, it helped to be packed with patience.”

Sutton started the final round two strokes behind Durant, who was trying to join Tiger Woods as the only three-time winners on the PGA Tour this year.

Sutton, who earned $612,000 for his 14th PGA Tour victory, finished with a 10-under 278 total on the TPC at the The Woodlands.

Janzen shot a 73, Durant 74. John Cook (69) and Justin Leonard (69) were another stroke back at 282.

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Bruce Fleisher ended a nearly nine-month winless streak, shooting a two-under-par 70 for a three-stroke victory in the Las Vegas Senior Classic.

Fleisher had an eight-under 208 total, and earned $210,000 for his first victory since the Lightpath Long Island Classic last July 30. He has 12 victories in three seasons on the Senior PGA Tour.

Hale Irwin (70), Walter Hall (72), Jose Maria Canizares (70), Doug Tewell (71) and Vicente Fernandez (72) tied for second.