Verplank wins Byron Nelson

Scott Verplank dropped into a squatting position and looked skyward, almost in disbelief – and to say thanks.

Finally, after so many tries, Verplank won the tournament he’s always wanted to win. This victory at home in Irving, Texas, was for the late Byron Nelson.

“There’s no question in my mind that the stars lined up and I got a little help from upstairs. I just haven’t been playing that good,” Verplank said. “I think Byron had a hand in this week.”

Verplank, who as a teenager growing up in Dallas got to know Nelson and play several rounds with the former star, used three straight birdies and an incredible par save from a bunker at No. 17 Sunday to win the first EDS Byron Nelson Championship played without its namesake.

Sadly missing was a personal congratulation from Nelson, who died Sept. 26 at age 94. But Nelson’s wife, Peggy, was there clutching one of his famed fedoras in her hand when she hugged Verplank.

Verplank closed with a 4-under-66 for a 13-under 267 total, a stroke ahead of Luke Donald (68) for his fifth PGA Tour victory, his first since the 2001 Canadian Open. Phil Mickelson (65), Jerry Kelly (64), Rory Sabbatini (64) and Ian Poulter (66) tied for third at 10 under.

LPGA

Silvia Cavalleri became the first Italian winner in LPGA Tour history, closing with a 7-under 66 for a two-stroke victory over Mexican star Lorena Ochoa and Paraguay’s Julieta Granada in the Corona Morelia Championship at Morelia, Mexico.

Cavalleri finished with a 20-under 272 total.

Ochoa, the 2006 winner playing her first tournament as the No. 1 player in the world, shot a 68. Granada, also second last year, finished with a 68.