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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, October 16, 2006

Rookie Matteson wins first PGA title

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Rookie Troy Matteson was a bit tense when he stood over the putt that could set up his first PGA Tour victory. Never mind that he needed only to two-putt from 8 feet.

"I was trying not to hit it into the lake. I was just so nervous, really," said Matteson, who nudged that putt within inches of the hole and then tapped in for the win.

"I'm just glad it was about 8 or 9 inches because I can usually handle those," Matteson said, smiling after his long day yesterday on the golf course ended with the Frys.com Open title.

Consistently hitting his approach shots close and remaining cool and collected on the tense final holes, Matteson shot a 3-under 69 to finish one shot ahead of Ben Crane and Daniel Chopra.

Matteson, who had to complete the last six holes of the rain-delayed third round early in the morning before beginning the final 18 holes, finished at 22-under 265.

Crane, a two-time winner on the tour, shot a 65, and Chopra, left looking for his first victory, had a 66.

"I didn't really expect to win an event this year. It's an unbelievable feeling," said Matteson, who has strung together three good finishes.

His Las Vegas win followed a tie for sixth at Greensboro and a tie for eighth the previous week after he struggled for much of his first year on the tour.

He seemed primed to join the best.

A three-time All-American at Georgia Tech and the 2002 NCAA champion, Matteson won twice last year on the Nationwide Tour and broke the developmental tour's money record with $495,009.

Playing in the final group with Chopra and nursing a one-shot lead, Matteson stuck his second shot on the 444-yard, par-4 18th within 8 feet. Chopra missed his birdie try from 18 feet, then Matteson two-putted to put it away.

Kane'ohe's Dean Wilson shot a final-round 73 to finish at 276, 11 shots back. He earned $11,806.

ELSEWHERE

Champions Tour: Jay Haas won his sixth career Champions Tour title when rain forced the cancellation of the final round of the Administaff Small Business Classic in Spring, Texas. Haas shot a 9-under 63 on Saturday to take five-stroke lead at 17-under 128. He earned $240,000 for his fourth victory of the year.