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Overton's record sprint to the finish line
HAVEN, Wis. -- Playing as a single after Ian Poulter withdrew due to illness, Jeff Overton wasted no time on the course Sunday at the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, completing a 7-over-par 79 in a tournament-record two hours, nine minutes, besting the previous mark held by Phil Blackmar (who shot 71) during the final round of the 1991 PGA at Crooked Stick by one minute.
"Awesome, my first record at a major championship," quipped Overton.
Overton started the round in full competitive mode, but admitted that after turning in 40, his mindset was more one of "lets get on with it."
"It's been a long couple months and I'm totally exhausted," said Overton, noting the need to get some rest and "just chill."
Chilling won't be part of Overton's plan at the Ryder Cup, for which he is almost a lock to make the team. Still, Overton isn't counting on a trip to Wales just yet. "Sure, it might take a 59 to knock me out--but I've had 59s shot on me before," said Overton, referring to Stuart Appleby's feat that beat him at the Greenbrier Classic.
Barring that 59, however, Overton should be an asset to Corey Pavin's team. Overton played on the 2005 U.S. Walker Cup team at Chicago GC, clinching the winning point in a 12 ¿ to 11 ¿ U.S. triumph by defeating Nigel Edwards, 1 up. "That was the most exciting thing ever," said Overton. "It was unlike anything else."
-- E. Michael Johnson