Singh wins Chevron World Challenge

Dec 22, 2008 - 12:21 AM By John Reger PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

THOUSAND OAKS, California (Ticker)- It was fitting the golfer that won the most money on the PGA Tour this year added the richest prize in the "Silly Season."

Vijay Singh shot a final-round 67 to finish 11-under par Sunday and win $1.35 million first in the $5.75 million Chevron World Challenge.

Steve Stricker finished second, shooting a 68 and finishing a stroke behind Singh. Third-round leader Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan were four strokes back at 7-under.

"It was very unexpected," Singh said. "Jim (Furyk) and Anthony (Kim) were playing so well. My thought was if I shot 68 or 67 I would have a chance."

Singh won $6.60 million in the regular season, including a $10 million bonus for winning the FedEx Cup.

This event is his fourth victory of the season and 58th of his career, 34 of which have been on the PGA Tour.

Singh and Stricker both began the round at 6-under par, two shots behind third-round leader, Kim.

But both Kim and Furyk struggled on the back nine, while Singh and Stricker both shot a 32 for the final nine holes.

Singh thought one of the holes on the front nine was his turning point of the day.

"I had bogeyed the sixth hole all week," Singh said. "I birdied it (Sunday) and that fired me up."

Stricker kept up with Singh all the way until the 18th hole. The two were tied at 10-under par, but Singh made a 10-foot birdie putt, while Stricker failed to convert his opportunity.

"I played solid all week," Singh said. "I didn't make too many mistakes."

Despite his performance and successful season, Singh still is planning on working Christmas Day.

"It's the best time to hit balls," Singh said. "There's nobody on the golf course. You'd be surprised."