Former Gophers golfer Tom Lehman was stuck in a four-way tie for 15th place going into Sunday’s final round of the PGA Championships at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., and stayed there in the end.
The native of Alexandria, Minn., shot 71-71-69-70 in the four-day tournament and ended up 7-under-par. Lehman was picked by many experts to be one of the few contenders for the title after he won his first major tournament July 21 at the British Open.
Mark Brooks won the Championship when he birdied the 18th hole during a playoff with Louisville native Kenny Perry. Both golfers finished at 11-under.
As the winner, Brooks received a $430,000 check and a five-year qualifying exemption to the Masters, U.S. Open and the British Open. Lehman got $39,000.
Ohio State tops Big Ten in AP
Surprise. The Gophers did not receive any votes in the Associated Press’ Top 25 preseason football rankings. Seven other Big Ten teams did, however.
Ohio State — despite losing quarterback Bobby Hoying, receiver Terry Glenn and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George after their eligibility ran out — led the conference by getting placed in the ninth spot.
Hoying, Glenn and George each had record-breaking performances for the Buckeyes’ offense at their respective positions last season. However, Ohio State’s reputation warranted its high rank.
Following the Buckeyes were Big Ten rivals Penn State (11), Michigan (14), Northwestern (18) and Iowa (22). Wisconsin and Michigan State received votes but did not crack the Top 25.
Nebraska, which is ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll for the first time in 13 years, was the overwhelming favorite this time around as it seeks an unprecedented third-straight national title.