OUTBACK PRO-AM

Murray: A True Cinderella Story

Published: Feb 19, 2007

LUTZ - Actor/comedian Bill Murray won his first pro-am Sunday and that wasn't the best thing he did all day.

Exacting revenge on professional autograph seekers, who he lovingly refers to as "creeps," the "Caddyshack" star collected money for autographs during the final round.

Before he hoisted his championship trophy, Murray presented the money, about $1,000, to Jan Horn, the executive director and founder of Blooming Place for Kids. Murray playfully tossed the money around the 18th green, but not before planting a kiss on Horn.

"Oh my gosh, I had no idea this was going to happen," said Horn, who runs the Clearwater organization, which provides a unique camping experience for abused kids. "I'm still shocked. I'm going to faint."

Murray and his pro partner, Scott Simpson, won the amateur portion of the tournament at 21 under. Along with a trophy, Murray received a complimentary Outback Steakhouse card.

"I'd like to congratulate [tournament champion] Tom Watson, a guy who I thought was a total loser," Murray said. "And thanks to Outback for the liquor-included card. That will end my amateur career."

Murray's par-saving putt on the par-4 ninth clinched the win, one stroke ahead of Hale Irwin and partner Hugh Connerty Jr.

Dade City native and former tennis great Jim Courier improved from last year's fourth-place finish to third.

"That's pretty good," said Courier, who finished 19 under. "They were tough conditions out there [Sunday]. I made a couple of shots, a couple of nice putts."

BUCS BRAGGING RIGHTS: Ronde Barber took the Bucs crown, bettering teammates Derrick Brooks and Shelton Quarles.

Playing in front of his mom for the first time, Barber saved his best golf for the final round, except for his last shot, which sprayed the gallery along the 18th hole. He still earned Buccaneer bragging rights.

"I get to puff my chest out and they get to make fun of me because I never play golf with them," Barber said.

Barber, paired with Watson, finished sixth at 15 under. Quarles and his pro partner, Jay Sigel, were 10th at 10 under and Brooks and Loren Roberts were tied for 11th at 9 under.

"My undefeated streak goes down this year," said Brooks.

CHIP SHOTS: Mark O'Meara's Champions Tour debut did not go as the 1998 Masters and British Open champion planned. O'Meara took a 9 on the par-4 15th Sunday - including two shots in the water - and closed with a double-bogey on No. 18 in shooting 11-over 82 during the final round. After starting the day in contention at 1 under, he finished at 9 over, tied for 38th. … Gibby Gilbert bettered O'Meara on the day at No. 15. Gilbert, who got into the tourney Tuesday after 2004 Outback champion Mark McNulty withdrew with a back injury, took a 10 and finished with a round of 80. … Tampa resident Doug LaCrosse entered Sunday's final round at 3 over. He finished tied for 30th at 8 over, winning $10,820, his best finish on the Champions Tour. … Larry Nelson withdrew before the final round with a stiff neck. … Because the final round got a late start Sunday, NBC had to switch its coverage to the Golf Channel at 3:30 p.m., the scheduled completion time. The tournament ended around 5 p.m.

Katherine Smith