Salesmanship Club of Dallas
HP Byron Nelson Championship: A Great Time. A Greater Cause.

HP Byron Nelson Championship

2009 Champion Rory SabbatiniRory Sabbatini

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Wearing a pink shirt in a show of support for Amy Mickelson, recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and heavy hearted because of the rapidly deteriorating health of a buddy with Hodgkin's lymphoma, Sabbatini shot a 6-under 64 for a two-stroke victory over late-charging Brian Davis in Lord Byron's tournament.

"Obviously this tournament is very special," Sabbatini said. "It's one that I wish I had have been able to win it and look up and see Byron sitting there at the 18th green. ... What a wonderful name to be associated with now."

After an 8-foot putt at No. 17 for his third straight birdie, Sabbatini got to enjoy the champion's walk up No. 18. And it didn't matter that his 7-foot par putt slid past and he had to tap in for bogey.

Once the final putt dropped, Sabbatini's 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter -- with "Team Sabo" inscribed on their clothing -- ran out to greet him. He then embraced wife Amy and Peggy Nelson, the widow of Byron Nelson.

Sabbatini, the 33-year-old South African who lives in nearby Fort Worth, finished at 19-under 261 at TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas to break the tournament mark of 18 under set by Loren Roberts and playoff loser Steve Pate in 1999 -- when the Cottonwood Valley course also was used the first two days.

Sabbatini earned $1.17 million and 500 FedExCup points for his fifth PGA TOUR victory.

 

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