honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 1:09 p.m., Sunday, August 13, 2006

Kane'ohe's Wilson captures first PGA victory

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Hawai'i's Dean Wilson sank a 6-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole with Tom Lehman to earn his first PGA victory Sunday at The International at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colo.

"It's so nerve-racking being out there today, being in contention and being able to somehow pull it through, it's really satisfying," Wilson said.

Wilson earned $990,000. Previously, he earned $910,601 this season. Wilson is the third player from Hawai'i to win a PGA event. Ted Makalena and David Ishii won the Hawaiian Open when the tournament was part of the PGA Tour.

Wilson, a Castle High graduate from Kane'ohe, and Lehman were tied for the lead with 34 points overall in a modified Stableford format after 18 holes. Wilson had seven birdies and two bogeys in his round for 12 points on Sunday. He started the final round tied for seventh.

Both players parred the first playoff hole, the par-4 18th. Wilson won it on the second playoff hole, the par-4 9th hole. On his second shot, he hit an 8 iron uphill from 159 yards to 6 feet.

"(I was thinking) get this thing in, somehow get it over with, fortunately it rolled in," Wilson said of his winning putt.

Wilson earns a spot in next year's Mercedes Championships at Kapalua. The tournament is limited to winner's of PGA tournaments this year.

Lehman, who scored 10 points in the final round, last won in 2000.

The International is scored under a modified Stableford points system. A player earns or loses points based on how he does on each hole. A player earns 8 points for a double eagle, 5 for an eagle, 2 for a birdie and none for a par. A player loses a point for a bogey and 3 points for a double bogey or higher.

Wilson, 36, was playing in his 118th PGA Tournament and 25th this year. His previous best finish this year was a tie for seventh at the Nissan Open. His prior career best finish was a tie for third at the 2004 Valero Texas Open.

After a stellar career on the Japan Golf Tour, including six victories, Wilson, who now lives in Las Vegas, played on the Nationwide Tour before joining the PGA Tour in 2003.

The Web site www.pgatour.com contributed to this report.