Charlie Beljan won the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic at Lake Buena Vista Golf Club by two shots, securing his PGA Tour playing status for 2013.
Beljan, who was rushed to hospital after his blood pressure soared during the second round, came into the tournament fearful that a trip to Q-school was in the offing. But, after taking the title, he has an exemption for two years and a host of invitations to significant tournaments in 2013.
"Every day I drove underneath that Disney sign coming in here that said, 'Where dreams come true,' and that's just what happened this week," he said. "I don't know exactly what perks come with winning, but I know every single one of them is pretty darn good."
Beljan began the final round in the lead, but when he arrived at the course he was still feeling unwell with a pounding headache. It didn't seem to bother him when he got on the golf course.
He fired five birdies in six holes around the turn and, despite a stumble at the 13th, he never looked seriously troubled. His nearest challenger, Robert Garrigus, never got closer than within two shots of his fellow American.
With this being the last tournament counting towards the 2012 PGA Tour money list, there was some last-minute shuffling around the bubble. Only those finishing within the top-125 were guaranteed playing rights in 2013.
Despite a top-10 finish, Jerry Kelly came up an agonising $1,809 short of Kevin Chappell in 125th spot. Kelly finished outside the top-125 for the first time in his career.
Tim Herron was the big winner. He moved from 138th to 124th with his tied ninth place finish.
Scotland's Russell Knox also finished in tied ninth place and picked up a cheque for $112,800. Despite earning more than $500,000 through the season, he failed to retain his card, finishing the year in 143rd on the money list.
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic Magnolia GC, Lake Buena Vista, Florida Nov 8-11, purse $4,700,000, par 72
1 Charlie Beljan (USA) 68 64 71 69 272 $846,000 T2 Robert Garrigus (USA) 68 68 70 68 274 $413,600 T2 Matt Every (USA) 67 69 70 68 274 $413,600 4 Brian Gay (USA) 69 69 67 70 275 $225,600 T5 Scott Stallings (USA) 66 70 71 69 276 $165,087 T5 Josh Teater (USA) 71 67 67 71 276 $165,087 T5 Boo Weekley (USA) 70 67 72 67 276 $165,087 T5 Charlie Wi (Kor) 64 71 70 71 276 $165,087 T9 Mark Anderson (USA) 68 67 74 68 277 $112,800 T9 Tom Gillis (USA) 72 66 70 69 277 $112,800 T9 Tim Herron (USA) 71 70 67 69 277 $112,800 T9 Jerry Kelly (USA) 71 68 72 66 277 $112,800 T9 Russell Knox (Sco) 66 72 72 67 277 $112,800 T9 Joey Snyder III (USA) 69 70 72 66 277 $112,800
Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage
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