Verplank Finally Wins Nelson Tournament

Sunday, April 29th 2007, 8:03 pm

By: News On 6

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Former Oklahoma State standout Scott Verplank finally wins the tournament he's always wanted to win, as he captures the Byron Nelson Championship in Irving, Texas.

Verplank, who as a teenager growing up in Dallas got to play several rounds with Nelson, used three straight birdies and Luke Donald's lead-blowing double bogey to take the lead today and then win.

It was the first Byron Nelson Championship played without its namesake, who died last September 26th at age 94.

After holing a final 2-foot par putt at number 18 for a one-stroke victory, Verplank dropped into a squatting position and looked skyward with smile on his face. He pumped his left fist triumphantly into the air.

Nelson's wife, Peggy, was clutching one of her late husband's famed fedoras in her hand when she hugged Verplank.

She says Nelson would be very happy for Verplank.