Funk continues double duty at Mayakoba Classic

2008-02-20

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QUINTANA ROO, Mexico (Ticker) -- Fred Funk has seemingly found a fountain of youth and will once again try to turn back theclock this week in Mexico.

With the top players in the world competing in Arizona at theWGC Match Play Championship, the 51-year-old Funk returns to ElCamaleon Golf Club for the $3.5 million Mayakoba Golf Classic.

The defending champion here, Funk has won three of his eightcareer PGA Tour titles since turning 45 and he also has capturedthree titles on the Champions Tour since turning 50.

Last season, Funk opened this event with a 62 and then defeatedJose Coceres on the second playoff hole to win - joining CraigStadler as the only players to win a PGA Tour event aftertriumphing on the Champions Tour.

Funk entered last year''s event having posted an 11-strokevictory at the Turtle Bay Championship for his first title onthe senior circuit. This year, Funk comes in having won theMasterCard Championship in Hawaii on the senior circuit and hasbeen playing well on the PGA Tour.

Funk has three starts on the PGA Tour this season and his bestfinish is a tie for 10th at the Sony Open. He is hoping toimprove upon that this week and is in a good spot to do so.

The par-70 layout at El Camaleon plays at 6,923 yards.

"As far as the comfort level, any time you come to a golf courseyou have had success on, you have a comfort level and feel goodabout it and know you can play well," said Funk, who had atleast a share of the lead after each round a year ago. "That initself is a good feeling, to always come back to a golf course,whether you''ve won on it or not, if you like the golf course; ifyou''ve won on it, it''s even a bonus."

The field for this week''s event also will feature nine playerswho have won major championships. Mark Brooks, John Daly (two),Lee Janzen (two), Shaun Micheel, Larry Mize, Greg Norman (two),Corey Pavin, Nick Price (three) and Bob Tway.

First prize is $630,000.