Golf

Simpson-Murray team on board with first win

While Tom Watson ended his 0-for-Florida streak, Scott Simpson and Bill Murray ended their 0-for-pro-ams streak.

By RODNEY PAGE
Published February 19, 2007

LUTZ - While Tom Watson ended his 0-for-Florida streak, Scott Simpson and Bill Murray ended their 0-for-pro-ams streak. The longtime partners at the PGA's Pebble Beach Pro-Am finally won as a team Sunday. They shot 21 under, one better than Hale Irwin-Hugh Connerty Jr.

Murray sank a clutch 6-footer on the ninth hole for a net birdie.

"This is the putt that could sew up the tournament," the actor/comedian told the crowd gathered around the green just before draining his putt.

Murray, 56, said the only other golf event he won was his flight in a tournament at Sleepy Hollow in New York more than 10 years ago.

"First thing I'm going to do is get some ice and put it on my knees then find something to put in a glass," the 16-handicapper said. "We were only 2 under for the round. It was tough out there. If anyone gets to 21 under they deserve to win."

LOW BUC: The competition within the competition was which of the three Buccaneers would finish with the lowest score. That honor went to Ronde Barber, who teamed with Watson to shoot 15 under. The cornerback beat a couple of linebackers, Derrick Brooks 9 under with Loren Roberts and Shelton Quarles (10 under with Jay Sigel).

"We didn't even know if we were going to make it to the final round," Barber said. "Then we made it and Tom is in the hunt. It was really fun. To see how he focuses when the tournament is on the line, it's easy to see why he's so successful."

Barber said no money exchanged hands.

"I get to puff my chest out," he said. "Really, I wish this tournament was a month later because it's been about seven months since I've played."

Brooks was the low Buc last year.

"My winning streak is over," he said. "I told (Barber), I don't know who you bribed to get Tom Watson. But my guy, Loren Roberts, he's tremendous. And I'm surprised, but they're all big football fans."

THE OTHER GUY: Amateur Mark Carron says he really isn't a hacker. He has a 5-handicap and plays every chance he gets. But when he found out about five minutes before his tee time that he and partner Dave Eichelberger would be paired with the tournament's marquee group, Murray and Simpson, he suddenly found it difficult to swing the club.

"My blood pressure went to like 250 over 200," said the wealth management specialist for Raymond James Financial. "My heart rate was sky high. I hit a dubbed drive that went about 70 yards. It took me about seven holes to calm down."

It wasn't all bad. Carron had a natural birdie on No. 8, his 17th. And he had some clutch pars.

"Just another Sunday round with the guys," Carron said, joking. "Really though, my mom passed away in December and I'd like to think she made this happen for me. I'll never forget it."

MAKING A SPLASH: Gibby Gilbert had a forgettable 15th hole. He hit three tee shots into the water on the 452-yard, par 4, recording a 10. He was 2 under when he reached the 15th, his sixth hole of the day. He finished with 80 for a three-day total of 16-over 229.

Things went just as badly for Champions Tour newcomer Mark O'Meara. He was 2 under before Sunday's round, but struggled to 11-over 82 that included 9 on No. 15 and double bogey on No. 18. He had five bogeys and just one birdie. He fell from a tie for fifth to tied for 38th.

Rodney Page can be reached at page@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8123.

[Last modified February 19, 2007, 00:27:50]