Cochran Birdies Last Four Holes to Win SAS Championship


After shooting two straight 6-under 66s in the first two rounds, Russ Cochran closed with a 67 to win the SAS Championship. The $2.1 million, 54-hole Champions Tour event took place at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, N.C.

The outcome wasn't settled until Cochran, a 54-year left-hander from Paducah, Ky., sank a five-foot birdie putt on the last hole to finish at 17-under 199 and edge South Africa's David Frost by a stroke. Frost closed with a 66.

The win, worth $315,000, was Cochran's fifth on the over-50 circuit. He was a one-time winner on the PGA Tour.

On Sunday, Cochran, who began Sunday with a two-stroke lead, carded seven birdies - including four on the last four holes - and two bogeys.

Kirk Triplett, the winner of the Champions Tour's previous event, the First Tee Open at Pebble Beach two weeks ago, took third at 202 after a 68. Gary Hallberg finished in fourth another stroke back following a 66.

Anders Forbrand of Sweden (69) and Michael Allen (70) tied for fifth at 205.

Defending champion Bernhard Langer opened with a pair of 67s and was two behind Cochran at the start of play Sunday. But the Golf Hall of Fame member from Germany shot 73 to drop into a tie for eighth at 9-under 207.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/champions/leaderboard.html.