Curl wins at WCCC

Published in Sports on October 12, 2008 1:26 PM

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Jeff Curl doesn't have to stress over his financial situation as a week-to-week professional golfer. He made sure of it Friday afternoon.

The former UNC Charlotte star sank a 3-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole to defeat second-round leader Kevin Kisner in the Walnut Creek Open at Walnut Creek Country Club. Curl rocketed to No. 4 on the EGOLF Tarheel Tour money list at just over $57,000 for this season.

"This is the first time in a long time that I've had something financially to worry about," said Curl, who has split time between EGOLF and Nationwide tours. "With the economy the way it is and the fact that I have $3,000 in my bank account and $30,000 on credit cards, it was awesome to just come out here and not even think about it.

"It was fun."

Curl and Kisner were tied through 11 holes and Scott Brown trailed by one stroke. The trio had amassed an astounding 15 birdies on the Maples-designed, par-71 layout.

Kisner grabbed a two-stroke lead, but lost it when Curl sank birdies on Nos. 16 and 17 to square up the match heading onto No. 18. Curl's tee shot landed in the trees and he eventually parred the hole. Kisner sank a 5-foot par putt, while Brown three-putted to put himself out of contention.

Curl and Kisner traded birdies on No. 18.

Kisner hit an approach shot 25 feet from the cup on No. 10, while Curl stuck a sand wedge to three free. But Kisner missed the putt and Curl easily drained the birdie to collect the $26,000 first-place prize.

The victory was especially nice for Curl, whose father Rod served as his caddie during the three-day event. Rod won the Colonial National Invitation in 1974.

"He convinced me to lay-up on 18 after I wanted to try and go for it (from the trees). He said, 'if you don't get it, it's over,'" said Curl, who finished at 16-under 197. "So I laid up and hit my best wedge shot in a year. It was a no-brainer."

It was a bitter miss for Kisner.

"I had it right where I wanted it, I just kind of gave it away," said Kisner, with PGA Tour Qualifying School around the corner. "It's going to hurt a little bit. I fought hard, but just didn't get it done."

Brown and Chip Deason tied for third at 15-under 198. Brown claimed his first top-five finish of the season after winning two Tarheel Tour events in 2007.