Singh Takes Buick With Playoff Win

Golf

Vijay Singh finally came up with a birdie, his only one in 23 holes Sunday in Harrison, N.Y., and it came on the fifth extra hole and meant a victory over Doug Martin and the Buick Classic title for the second time in three years.

“I had great opportunities on at least four holes for birdie,” Singh said after making a 12-footer on the par5, 505-yard 18th for the victory. “But you can’t let it get to you. You just keep hitting the ball and sooner or later the putts will fall for you.”

Singh, who started the day with a one-stroke lead, shot a 1-over-par 72 to finish at 278, while Martin, who was four strokes back with seven holes to play, made four birdies down the stretch for a 69 and a share of the 72-hole lead at the Westchester Country Club.

Both parred the first four holes in the playoff. Back and neck injuries kept Singh from defending the title last year when he was also forced to bypass the U.S. Open. A native of Fiji, the 32-year-old earned $261,000.

Bobby Wadkins had a 72 and hung on for third at 279, while Ernie Els, the reigning U.S. Open champ, had a 68 and was in a four-way tie for fourth at 280 with Dillard Pruitt, Fred Funk and Nick Faldo.

Seniors

Jim Colbert made five birdies over an eight-hole stretch in a 2-under-par 68 that gave him a 207 total and the $135,000 winner’s check at the Bell Atlantic Classic in Malvern, Pa.

Colbert was one shot better than J.C. Snead, the leader for the first two rounds at the Chester Valley Golf club. Jack Nicklaus was another shot back.

LPGA

Chris Johnson made four birdies on the back nine to overtake Juli Inkster and win the Star Bank LPGA Classic by one stroke in Dayton, Ohio.

Johnson’s 5-under-par 67 gave her an 8-under 210 total and the $75,000 first prize. Inkster began the day with a three-shot lead but bogeyed three of the last six holes. She shot 74 and was one stroke behind Johnson in the $500,000 event.

First-round leader Tracy Hanson, from Rathdrum, Idaho, struggled to a 78 that put her at 3-over 219. Hanson earned $4,209.

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