With a 4-under par round of 67, Kevin Streelman picked up his first career PGA TOUR victory today in the Tampa Bay Championship presented by Everbank.
Streelman, 34, had played in 152 PGA TOUR events without a victory during his career and, at one point, was driving around the country in his car.
“It wasn’t too long ago I was in a car driving myself around, ya know, dead broke, so it just shows you determination and hard work and keep chasing your dreams.. you never know what will happen,” Streelman said immediately his victory.
Sharing the 54-hole lead with Justin Leonard (71) and George Coetzee (74), Streelman put together his second straight day of bogey free golf to finish at 10-under 274 and overcome a final day challenge from Boo Weekley who fired a sizzling 8-under 63 to take second place money at 8-under 276.
Cameron Tringale took third place with a 5-under 65 to finish at 7-under 277.
Further back at at 6-under 278 was Leonard who was joined by defending champion Luke Donald (69) and Greg Chalmers (70).
Pat Perez (67), Sergio Garcia (69), Harris English (69), Shawn Stefani (70), Jordan Speith (70), Ben K0hles (71) and Jim Furyk (71) all finished at 5-under 279.
In addition to his first place prize money of $990,00, Streelman picks up 500 Fedex Cup points and moves to sixth place in the standings, earns a two-year exemption and an invitation to the Masters next month.
“That was really cool. I just stayed really patient and I had a peace about me today…it’s such a tough golf course where you’ve got to pick your battles,” Streelman said.
Weekley, looking for his first victory on the PGA TOUR in five years, posted his 8-under and had a two hour wait to see if there be a playoff. He was on the practice range when Streelman made a key birdie at the 17th hole to seal the victory.
“Even I’m still kind of shocked at how good I really hit it,” he said. “It was one of the best ballstriking days I’ve had in a long time.” Weekley has led the TOUR in ballstriking each of the last two years.
The PGA TOUR moves on to the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando where Tiger Woods is the defending champion.
By Mike Verrastro
Follow Mike on Twitter @mjv1230
