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

Washout Forces Cancellation Of Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Compiled From Wire Services

Bill Murray’s putt turned out to be the final shot of the 1996 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

Alas, a day after that hastily arranged celebrity shootout, no one was laughing.

Casual water led to drastic decisions Sunday as PGA Tour officials declared the tournament a washout after two rounds. Never in its 50-year history had the event been canceled.

No winner was crowned - Jeff Maggert led by a stroke at the midway point - and a reduced purse of $900,000 was distributed evenly among the 180 pros, each receiving $5,000. Originally, the prize money was $1.5 million.

It was the first time a tour event has been scrubbed since the 1949 Colonial National in Fort Worth, Texas, although a few other tournaments have been postponed and finished later in the year.

Ian Woosnam of Scotland birdied the par-5 18th hole for an even-par round of 72 and a one-stroke victory in the $750,000 Heineken Classic in Perth, Australia.

He finished the tournament with an 11-under-par total of 277, ending up a shot clear of Frenchman Jean van de Velde and Irishman Paul McGinley.

Bob Murphy, withstanding 30 mph gusts and a winter chill, shot a 4-under-par 67 for a four-stroke victory in the Royal Caribbean Classic in Key Biscayne, Fla.

He finished at 10-under 203 for 54 holes to easily beat Hale Irwin.