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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, September 4, 2006

Simpson makes birdie on 18 to claim Champions victory

Associated Press

Simpson

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PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Scott Simpson's experiences at the Pebble Beach Golf Links have included a medal at the state amateur tourney, playing at the national pro-am with comedian Bill Murray and shooting a final-round 88 at the U.S. Open.

Until yesterday, though, his 30-year legacy at the famed course never included a victory.

The former U.S. Open champion made an 8-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole for a 4-under 68 yesterday and a one-stroke victory over Jay Haas and Danny Edwards at the First Tee Open.

The former Kailua resident, who began the final round trailing Tom Kite by two strokes, captured his first Champions Tour title in 25 tries with a 12-under-par 204 total.

"Thirty-six holes at Pebble Beach without a bogey, that's pretty cool," said Simpson, who was bogey-free in the opening and final rounds.

"It's unbelievable. It's a dream come true."