Mccarron Nabs First Pga Title

Scott McCarron, displaying steady nerves and hitting solid shots in the heavy wind, became the third straight first-time PGA winner, beating Tom Watson by five strokes in the $1.2 million Freeport-McDermott Classic in New Orleans.

McCarron, who started the day in first place at 12 under, had only two bogeys despite strong gusts and Watson threatening over the front nine. He finished at 13-under 275.

Tommy Tolles finished third at 7-under after a bogey on No. 18 and defending champion Davis Love III finished at 5-under 283 for six-way tie for fourth.

Kirk Triplett, formerly of Pullman, finished 19 strokes back after shooting a final round 80. He earned $2,748.

Laura Davies, capitalizing on a last-hole bogey by Kristal Parker-Gregory, shot a 2-under-par 73 and won her third consecutive Standard Register Ping title in Phoenix.

Parker-Gregory, who entered the last round with a three-stroke lead over Davies, finished at 285, including two bogeys on the last four holes. She three-putted the last green, missing a putt of less than 3 feet that would have forced a playoff.

Tracy Hanson of Rathdrum, Idaho, shot a final round 73 to finish with a 295.

In La Quinta, Calif., Lee Trevino and Mike Hill combined for a 9-under-par 63 to win their second consecutive title in the $1.1 million Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf team event.

Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player shot a 66 to tie the teams of Chi Chi Rodriguez and Harold Henning and Jimmy Powell and Orville Moody for second at 200.