MEMPHIS (Tennesse), June 30: David Toms claimed his second PGA Tour title of the season on Sunday with a three-shot victory in the St Jude Classic.
Toms, who won the Wachovia Championship in May, shot a seven-under-par 64 to finish on 20-under 264 and scoop $810,000 for his ninth career win.
Zimbabwe’s Nick Price, playing 90 minutes ahead of Toms, set the early target when he shot a nine-under 262 to finish on 267, enough for second place.
American Bob Estes and Swedish duo Fredrik Jacobson and Richard Johnson tied for third a stroke behind Price.
Americans Ben Crane and two-time US Open champion Lee Janzen placed in a tie for sixth on 269.
Toms, who became the seventh multiple winner on the tour this season, used a streak of four birdies on the front side and a mammoth putt on the back to claim his ninth career title, made special because it came at the event nearest his Louisiana home.
While his score was impressive, so was the way he achieved it. At least that is what Johnson thought. Johnson, who took a one-stroke lead into the final round before tying for third, was Toms’ playing partner.
Through 26 events this season, seven players have combined for 17 titles. Tiger Woods, Davis Love and Canada’s Mike Weir have three crowns apiece, with South Africa’s Ernie Els, Fiji’s Vijay Singh, Kenny Perry and Toms at two each.
Leading final round scores (US unless stated):
264 — David Toms 68, 67, 65, 64.
267 — Nick Price (Zimbabwe) 73, 67, 65, 62.
268 — Bob Estes 67, 70, 66, 65; Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) 66, 67, 68, 67; Richard Johnson (Sweden) 64, 66, 69, 69.
269 — Ben Crane 70, 68, 64, 67; Lee Janzen 68, 66, 67, 68.