GOLF:HAVING TO contend with a wise-cracking comedian throughout an event would not be a winning recipe for everyone, but it proved a perfect tonic for DA Points at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
The 34-year-old American clinched his first PGA Tour win on Sunday in his 128th career start on the US circuit, and he also triumphed in the separate pro-am competition with his playing partner Bill Murray.
Points grew up idolising the actor and comedian, a fellow Illinois native who has been a regular participant in the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am since 1992.
“It will take me a really long time to truly grasp what I was able to accomplish with Bill this week,” Points said after securing victory by two shots with a closing, five-under-par 67 on the Pebble Beach Golf Links.
“I grew up on the 17th hole of the local country club in Illinois and both my parents played and taught me the game. To win on the PGA Tour, especially at Pebble Beach and especially with Bill Murray . . . I don’t think I could even dream it up.”
For the record, Points’ initials stand for Darren Andrews.
PEBBLE BEACH NATIONAL PRO-AM (US unless stated, par 70): 271 – DA Points 63 70 71 67 273 – Hunter Mahan 70 67 70 66 275 – Tom Gillis 67 68 70 70 276 – Spencer Levin 71 68 67 70, Steve Marino 65 66 71 74 277 – Aaron Baddeley (Aus) 68 71 67 71, Nick Watney 68 67 75 67, Bryce Molder 69 66 68 74. Other: 288 – Pádraig Harrington 69 68 73 78.
