Sport

Hoch takes advantage of first light

RACING: Scott Hoch sank a seven-foot birdie putt on the third hole of a darkness-halted playoff yesterday to defeat Jim Furyk…

Tue Mar 11 2003 - 00:00

RACING: Scott Hoch sank a seven-foot birdie putt on the third hole of a darkness-halted playoff yesterday to defeat Jim Furyk and capture the PGA Ford Championship, plus a measure of vindication.

It was the 11th career PGA crown for the 47-year-old American, who caused the early morning return to Doral's Blue Monster by refusing to putt out on the green of the second extra sudden-death hole on Sunday evening.

When Hoch refused to putt, Furyk also declined, much to the chagrin of the gallery at the five million-dollar event.

"I feel sorry for the fans, but I felt it was best for me and best for us (not to finish Sunday), for Jim and I to come out and play when both of us could see," Hoch said. "It ended up being the right decision for me."

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Hoch became the oldest player to win a US PGA Tour event since Tom Watson won the 1998 Colonial at 48.

Both walked back onto the green at the par-five first hole yesterday morning after a 14-hour delay and took care of business.

Hoch drained his eight-foot birdie putt and Furyk sank his from six feet to extend the playoff to a third extra hole.

The Americans then strolled to the tee at the par-four 18th, where Hoch sent his ball down the middle of the fairway while Furyk's drive sailed left into a fairway bunker.

Furyk sent his approach onto the green, but 25 feet from the pin. Hoch lofted his second shot to within seven feet of the cup, building the drama.

Furyk missed and tapped in for a par before Hoch drained his putt to win the title and $900,000.

"I guarantee you I wouldn't have been able to do that (Sunday) night," Hoch said.

"I hit a good putt on the first hole," Furyk said. "Scott just played great this morning."

Hoch and Furyk finished regulation tied at 17-under-par 271.

They both made fine par saves at the final hole, with Hoch shooting 3-under 69 and Furyk 68.

Bob Tway finished two shots behind in third place.

Furyk also made a nice par save at the first extra hole, the par-four 18th, after clattering his approach shot into the grandstand, while Hoch missed a birdie putt.