Davis Love III hit into the rough and a bunker on the last two holes,  managing to get up and down for par to complete a final round 8 under par 64,  winning for the first time in over two years.  With his 20th career PGA Tour victory Mr. Love III earned a lifetime exemption on Tour.  “I always questioned, ‘Am I doing the right thing? Why am I still doing this,”’ the 44-year-old Love said. “I didn’t doubt my desire, or that I could still compete, it was just the little things I had to do.”  After stepping into a hole during a recreational round last year and suffering two torn ligaments,  he spent a lot of time improving his conditioning.  Mr. Love III also spent time talking with noted sports head shrinker Bob Rotella.  I’ve never understood the need for a psychologist, but then, despite more than a few testimonials, I’ve not considered myself to be a head case. 

One shot behind Mr. Love III was Tommy "two gloves" Gainey, whose 30 on the back nine closed out his 64 on Sunday.  Mr. Gainey, whose money total was a sorry $65,405 coming into this week, went from number 228 on the money list to number 148 thus assuring himself a pass into the finals of Q school and at least 15 sponsor exemption starts next year.  “I played horrible, terrible this year,” Gainey said. “I had one week, and this was the week. I definitely assured myself of a place to play next year.”  There is nothing smooth and fluid about Mr. Gainey’s swing.  I don’t remember seeing a more violent slash at the ball at any level.  Compare that to the touch around and on the greens Mr. Gainey displayed, which was quite impressive and I believe we have a modern day Jekyll and Hyde disguised as a golfer.  You don’t see many guys hit 172 yard 9 irons into a par 3…amazingly marvelous entertainment. 

Scott Verplank and Steve Marino had the 54 hole lead and wound up tied for third after shooting 71’s.  Mr. Verplank shot 38 on the front side, and even four birdies in a row on the back nine wasn’t enough to get him into serious contention.  Mr. Marino was tied for the lead with Mr. Love III when he reached the 320 yard par 4 13th hole, the second easiest hole on the course.  His tee shot cleared the trees and wound up just in front of the bunker guarding the green.  From that point on it was a marvelous impression of a weekend hack.  His short pitch didn’t clear the bunker, plugging in the steep sided face.  The only shot was to smack the wedge into the sand underneath the ball and pray for a result.  With a stance that allowed zero weight shift, Mr. Marino hoseled a shot at a 45* angle that stayed short of the green.  Two shots later and Mr. Marino had his second bogey of the week from which he never recovered. 

One of the stories of the week was that of Erik Compton who was playing on a sponsor’s exemption.  He shot an even par 72 Sunday to finish a 6 under par and tied for 60th.  Nothing spectacular unless you know he’s six months removed from his second heart transplant.  He’ll be playing in the second stage of Q school next week in an effort to win a tour card.  It’s painful enough to have your chest cracked open once, must less twice.  And to be able to play competitive golf just six months later is phenomenal.  Thank goodness Mr. Compton has a swing much less violent than that of Mr. Gainey. 

A lot of happy stories from this final event of the year.  Which is nice, considering not much happy has been in the news lately.  I for one, need a break.