Golf: Nelson wins Father-Son tournament again
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. — Larry Nelson made a 20-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole and went on to a 10-under 62 with his son, Drew, today to become the first player to win the Del Webb Father-Son Championship two straight years with different sons.
Nelson, a three-time major champion in the World Golf Hall of Fame, won the Father-Son last year with son Josh. He and Drew also won the tournament four years ago.
Typical of the scramble format, this one came down to the wire.
The Nelsons finished at 21-under 123 for a two-shot victory over Davis Love III and his 15-year-old son, Dru. The Love team made a late eagle to tie for the lead, and while Nelson was certain of a birdie on the par-5 18th at ChampionsGate Golf Club, he made sure it didn't come down to the final hole.
"We really felt like 17 was going to be the pivotal hole," Nelson said. "We didn't want to have to make eagle on the last hole, but we felt like we could make birdie if we needed to. I made about a 20-footer there. Drew hit a great putt the first time, so I had a great line. It was just a matter of hitting it the right speed and on that line.
"We felt when we made that, we pretty much had won the tournament."
The Nelsons received $210,000 for the victory, while the Loves closed with a 62 and earned $120,000. Former U.S. Open champion Tom Kite and son David closed with a 65 to finish third, earning $90,000.
Greg Norman and his son Gregory, one shot off the lead after the first round, shot 67 and finished 10th.
The tournament is restricted to major champions and their sons, with a few exceptions. Arnold Palmer, who has two daughters, played again with grandson Sam Saunders and tied for seventh. Fuzzy Zoeller and his daughter, Gretchen, tied for 12th along with Paul Azinger, who played with Aaron Stewart, son of the late Payne Stewart.
"It's a big family thing whether we win or not," Nelson said. "We were fortunate enough to win it three times. I don't know that this one is any more special than the first time I won with Drew. Just a special week all together."
