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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 5:20 p.m., Monday, November 5, 2007

Golf: Elway, Gulbis win skills event

Advertiser Staff

AVENTURA, Fla. — John Elway knows a thing or two about closing out a win, and it showed on the golf course today.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer finished strong by winning the short-iron event, and he and Natalie Gulbis won the Golf Skills Challenge at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Club.

Elway and Gulbis split the $310,000 grand prize. Dan Marino and Bubba Watson finished second to win $210,000.

Roger Clemens and Greg Norman placed third ($155,000), followed by Jerry Rice and Peter Jacobsen in fourth ($125,000).

Gulbis, who captured her first LPGA tour victory this year at the Evian Masters, won the pitch-over-hazard, trouble-shot and chip-shot competitions. She was the lone woman in the eight-player field.

Elway secured the win for his team when he sent his third shot to within 3 feet, 7 inches of the cup on the 18th hole.

"Natalie played so well early," Elway said. "Knowing that you have that backup behind you makes it a little bit easier when you're up there."

Gulbis put her team in great position early when she sent a shot across the water and within 4 feet, 8 inches in the trouble-shot event. She then holed her first attempt in the chip-shot competition.

"Being the only girl, there's a little bit of extra pressure, extra desire to hold you own," Gulbis said. "It's so much fun. It's great for me to be around these people."