Bryant breaks through in Texas

Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO — Bart Bryant's 0-for-186 streak is over.

WILSON

Bryant, 41, finished at 19-under 261 to win in his 187th tour event.

"One tournament does not make a career," Bryant said. "This is just the beginning, that's what I'd like to think."

Playing under a major medical extension this season because of elbow surgery in 2003, Bryant needed to win about $409,000 in 23 tournaments to retain his exempt status. Entering the Texas Open, he had earned just over $260,000 in 17 events.

With the victory, Bryant, who has gone through PGA Tour Qualifying School five times, earned $630,000 and a two-year tour exemption.

Also moving up the money list was Castle High graduate Dean Wilson, who won $203,000 after finishing in a tie for third with 66—265.

It was the highest finish for the 34-year-old former Kane'ohe resident, who is in his second year on the tour.

Wilson, the second-day leader, had five birdies and one bogey in his 4-under round.

Bryant, who matched the year's low round on tour with a 10-under 60 Saturday, played bogey-free golf over his last 49 holes.

Taking a more conservative approach yesterday, he had only one birdie over his first 10 holes and his lead seemed vulnerable.

"It's hard to do, shoot 60 and then come back and do it again," he said. "I tried to play aggressive, but didn't want to play stupid."

Sheehan (66) was within striking distance of Bryant for most of the back nine at La Cantera Golf Club, but lost any chance to overtake the leader when he three-putted from 22 feet for a bogey on the par-4 16th.

"It was just a poor putt," Sheehan said of his missed 5-footer for par. "These greens, there's enough grain in them to affect little putts, and if you don't get it rolling end over end right away, the grain will chew it up."

LPGA TOUR

Han defeats Kane in Classic playoff

PORTLAND, Ore. — Hee-Won Han made a 4-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to beat Lorie Kane and win the Safeway Classic yesterday.

Han birdied the par-4 18th in regulation to force the playoff with Kane at the soggy Columbia Edgewater Country Club. The South Korean, who closed with a 5-under 67 for a 9-under 207 total, won her third LPGA Tour title.

Two-time defending champion Annika Sorenstam had a final-round 70 and finished in a group two shots back at 7-under 209.

Grace Park birdied the 18th to finish at 68—208.

At No. 18 in the playoff, Han hit her approach shot within 4 feet, and Kane landed on the green about 80 feet from the hole. Kane's long birdie try narrowly missed the hole, but she made an 8-footer for par. Han effortlessly knocked in the birdie putt for her second career playoff win.