Perry Secures First Champions Tour Victory


Kenny Perry closed with a 2-under 70 to notch his first victory on the Champions Tour. The 51-year-old Kentuckian was propelled to the win in the SAS Championship after sinking a 30-foot eagle putt on the par-5 17th at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, N.C.

Perry, who started the final round in the 54-hole event tied with John Huston and Nick Price, finished at 11-under 205, one stroke better than Jeff Sluman (70) and Huston (71).

Perry's total was the highest winning score in tournament history. The win was worth $315,000.

Russ Cochran took solo fourth at 208 after a 71, while Fred Couples finished another stroke back after a 70. Price had a 76 to end up tied for sixth at 6-under 210 with three other players.

After two birdies and a bogey on the front nine to make the turn in 1-under 34, Perry, a 14-time winner on the PGA Tour, had two birdies, a double-bogey on the par-5 12th, a bogey on the par-4 closer, and his eagle, which proved the difference for the Champions Tour rookie on Sunday.

Perry's victory came a day after his sister Kay Perry died after a long battle with breast cancer.

"When I heard the news last night, it was a long night," Perry said. "I didn't sleep a lot, thought about just getting on a plane and heading home. But Dad was great. He called me, he said, 'Son, you just need to go out there and represent Kay today.' "

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