LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (AP) -Davis Love III won the Children's Miracle Network Classic at Disney on Sunday, closing with an 8-under 64 for a one-shot victory over Tommy Gainey in the final PGA Tour event of the year.
It was the 20th career PGA Tour victory for Love, giving him a lifetime exemption. Among active players, only Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson have won at least 20 times.
"I always questioned, 'Am I doing the right thing? Why am I still doing this,"' the 44-year-old Love said. "I didn't doubt my desire, or that I could still compete, it was just the little things I had to do."
Gainey, who had $65,405 in earnings heading into the final tournament of the year, shot 30 on the back nine including birdies on the final two holes for a 64. He made $496,800 to go from No. 228 to No. 148 on the money list. That gets him into the final stage of Q-school, and his conditional status for being in the top 150 should get him about 15 starts next year.
"I played horrible, terrible this year," Gainey said. "I had one week, and this was the week. I definitely assured myself of a place to play next year."
Love stepped in hole playing a recreational round last year and tore two ankle ligaments. During his time off, he worked harder on conditioning and spent time with sports psychologist Bob Rotella, who convinced him to adopt a take-no-prisoner's approach.
That came in handy over the final two holes.
With a two-shot lead, Love's tee shot on the 17th nearly found the water but still was buried in deep rough, leaving him no shot at the green. He laid up 100 yards short, hit wedge to 7 feet and saved par. From the right rough on the 18th, his ball came out hot and flew the green into a back bunker. Needing par to win, he blasted out to 3 feet and made the putt.
"I was in trouble (on 18) but I was still confident I could get the ball up and in," Love said. "I didn't worry about winning or losing or screwing up."
Love went 64-64 on the weekend, the best final 36-hole score in the tournament's 38-year history.
Gainey went to the driving range after Love hit his second shot on 18 into the sand.
"I thought that would be a tough downhill shot, and I thought I had to go to the range to loosen up," Gainey said.
He had barely begun loosening up when his ears told him everything he needed to know.
