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Kelly's Back In The Winner's Circle

April 25, 2009
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Kelly's accuracy with his irons was the key. He led the field in greens in regulation with 79.2%.

AVONDALE, La. (AP) -- Jerry Kelly rallied with two birdies on the back nine to claim the $1.1 million payday at the Zurich Classic on Sunday.

Kelly offset bogeys on No. 8 and No. 10 with birdies on five, 11 and 14 for a 1-under 71 in the final round. He finished with a 274, one stroke ahead of three players.

It was the 42-year-old Wisconsin player's first PGA Tour title since he won two in 2002.

Charles Howell took advantage of Kelly's mid-round stumble with one of his six birdies on 11, which gave him a two-stroke lead. But bogeys at 15 and 17 left him with a 68 on the day, and he tied for second with Rory Sabbatini (67) and Charlie Wi (68).

Steve Marino, playing with Kelly, stayed within one shot until the 18th, when he went into the trap and then needed two putts. He put up his third bogey and finished at 70, tied for fifth at 276.

Kelly, meanwhile, calmly rolled his final put about 2½ feet for his 13th par on the day and the championship.

David Toms, after a bogey on the first hole, had five birdies for a 68 on the day. His 276 not only tied him with Marino, it boosted him in the FedExCup standings and into the Players Championship.