Rod Pampling's status in world golf was
further confirmed today when he survived the final nine holes to
eventually win the Bay Hill Invitational by one shot over Englishman
Greg Owen.
While Pampling had a second chance at victory after his wild tee
shot at the 13th could have cost him victory, Owen's three putt from
three feet at the par three 17th will stick with him in the weeks,
months and years ahead. Whichever side of the fence you sat
regarding the potential winner, it was difficult not to feel the
pain etched on Owen's face as he walked from the 17th green and for
the next fifteen minutes as he tried to recompose himself throughout
the dangerous 18th hole.
Pampling's win is only his third in professional golf and his second
on the USPGA Tour. This was a win in a field that included four of
the top five in the world. Pampling will head to Augusta with
perhaps the belief that he can do even better in 2006.
Rod
Pampling
