Sluman Wins in Pebble Beach

Jeff Sluman notched his second Champions Tour victory after closing with a 5-under-par 67 to win the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. The 50-year-old Sluman had a 14-under 202 total in the 54-hole event and earned $315,000.

Sluman's score was one stroke off Craig Stadler's tournament record. He is one of seven players to collect two Champions Tour wins this season, putting the Charles Schwab Cup, an annual points' race on the over-50 circuit, up for grabs.

"I'm just happy to be playing the golf I had hoped to play coming out here," stated Sluman. "It's been a struggle, but I've worked hard. Golf is a game of ebbs and flows and things are going well right now."

Fuzzy Zoeller, one of five first-round co-leaders, closed with a 3-under 69 to share second with Stadler (71) at 9-under-par 207. Phil Blackmar shot a 1-over 73 and ended up tied for fourth at 8-under-par 208 with Chip Beck (68), Mark McNulty (69) and Fred Funk (71).

On the final hole, Sluman was loudly urged by comedian/actor Bill Murray; both are from Illinois. "Mr. Murray was following us and he was trying to get the crowd going, but I said let me get it on the green first. Some strange things can happen and the worst thing to do is celebrate before you had it locked up," said Sluman.