Golf: Perks closes in on PGA Tour slot

ORLANDO - New Zealander Craig Perks went a long way to ensuring a spot on next year's US PGA Tour with sixth place at the Disney Classic in Orlando yesterday.

Perks, from Palmerston North, shot a final-round eight-under 64 to finish on a 72-hole total of 270.

He was tied with six others, including Sweden's Jesper Parnevik and Fijian Vijay Singh, five shots behind Argentine winner Jose Coceres.

It took Perks from 131st on the money list to 108th, with earnings this year of $US457,127 ($1.1 million).

Perks needs to finish in the top 125 to seal his place on the PGA Tour, and he has four tournaments left to maintain his healthy position.

Yesterday's result moved Perks one place ahead of compatriot Frank Nobilo, who dropped from 104th to 109th with earnings of $US454,371.

Of the other New Zealanders on the Tour, Grant Waite dropped from 84th to 91st with earnings of $US526,123, while Phil Tataurangi was 186th.

Coceres sank a 1.5m par putt at the final hole to win yesterday's $US3.4 million ($8.27 million) tournament by a single stroke from American Davis Love III.

It was the 38-year-old's second victory in his rookie season on the PGA Tour.

He shot 68 on Disney World's Magnolia course to finish at 23-under 265. Love carded 66 for 266.

Coceres and Love had to endure a 49-minute rain delay at the final hole. The heavens opened after they hit their tee shots, flooding the fairway and green in less than five minutes.

Coceres collected $US612,000 to jump to 33rd on this year's PGA Tour money list.

"It was very important for me to demonstrate I could win twice, not just once by accident," said Coceres, who won the WorldCom Classic in South Carolina in April.

World No. 1 Tiger Woods, in his comeback tournament since the September 11 terrorist attacks, finished seven shots off the pace after a final-round 69.

- NZPA