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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Lehman’s Odyssey Leads To Skins Win Once-Disappointing Golf Star Relishes A $300,000 Payday

Associated Press

When the first Skins Game was played in 1983, Tom Lehman had just completed his first year on the PGA Tour. His total winnings for the year were $9,413.

This weekend, Lehman, who had to strive for nearly a decade just to return to the tour, made $300,000 for playing 18 holes.

The 38-year-old Lehman, whose road back took him through Africa, Asia, and scattered parts of the United States, finished the Skins Game by reeling off seven birdies over the final nine holes Sunday.

After completing the first day with two birdies worth a total of $130,000, Lehman added $170,000 by winning four more holes.

He and Mark O’Meara captured most of the $600,000 purse. O’Meara earned $240,000 that included $100,000 on the first playoff hole to conclude the two-day event at Rancho La Quinta Country Club.

Tiger Woods was shut out over the final nine holes after winning $60,000 on Saturday. David Duval, a late replacement for Fred Couples, did not win any money.

That Lehman was even in the Skins Game was a tribute to his determination. After turning pro out of the University of Minnesota in 1982, Lehman was a flop on the PGA Tour. He traveled to Asia and Africa to sharpen his skills, then played on mini-tours in the Dakotas, Florida and the Carolinas.

Not until 1992 did he return to the PGA Tour. He finished 24th in earnings then broke through in 1996, winning the British Open and the Tour Championship and topping the money list with $1,780,159.