Golf Gear Newswire : Kevin Chappell wins first Nationwide Tour title

HAYWARD, Calif. (AP)—Former UCLA star Kevin Chappell won the Fresh Express Classic on Sunday for first Nationwide Tour title, birdieing two of the last four holes for a 6-under 65 for a one-stroke victory over Canadian David Hearn.

The 23-year-old Chappell opened with rounds of 66, 67 and 66 en route to a tournament-record 20-under 264 total at TPC Stonebrae. In the 2008 NCAA tournament, he won the individual title to lead the Bruins to the team championship.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Chappell said. “It’s a surreal feeling, but it’s one I could use to.”

Chappell played the front nine in 5-under 31. He opened with three birdies, also birdied No. 5, bogeyed No. 6 and birdies Nos. 7 and 9.

“I knew I had to get off to a quick start because the back nine plays a lot tougher,” Chappell said. “Getting those birdies early just kick-started me.”

He bogeyed the par-4 14th before birdieing Nos. 15 and 17.

“It was almost calming to make bogey there and give up the lead,” Chappell said. “I knew I could play well coming from behind.”

Chappell earned $108,000 to jump from 18th to second on the money list with $151,021. The top 25 after the end of the season will earn 2011 PGA Tour cards..

Hearn finished with a 65.

“Kevin is fearless, which I guess you are when you are only 23,” Hearn said.

Fellow Canadian Jon Miles (68) was third at 17 under.

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Kevin Chappell wins first Nationwide Tour title

2010-04-19

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