Toms defends successfully at Michelob
IN: News | US PGA | Michelob Championship at Kingsmill (2001) | Wrap | by Bruce Young | 08 Oct 2001
When David Toms won in New Orleans to claim his fifth victory on tour it was only then that people started to take notice of this highly talented but low-key player.
Since then, however, he has won the PGA and now by defending his title here has moved to third on the money list with season earnings of $US3,300,000. Following on from his last two seasons where has had earnings of nearly $US2,000,000 for each of those years he has developed into one of the leading players in the World. He has further shown that he has the game to succeed anywhere with his fourth place at the British Open at St Andrews last season.
Leading from the first round and into the last round he got off to a flying start today with four birdies in the first seven holes and despite that frenetic pace slowing over the back nine the horse had effectively bolted although he was still forced to par the last to win.
Kirk Triplett charged home with three birdies in the last five holes to force the issue and finished second with a further three shots back to rookie Charles Howell and Esteban Toledo. Toledo is a colourful character having fought as a professional boxer prior to turning pro.
Greg Chalmers who has had a few weeks off was the leading Australian in 16th place ($US56,000) with Robert Allenby once again playing well although dropping three shots in the last three holes did his cause little good. He finished 23rd, Phil Tataurangi was 32nd and Frank Nobilo 62nd.
The USPGA Tour heads for Las Vegas for the Invensys Classic.
