Reuters

Dedicated Kim captures AT&T National title

Sun Jul 6, 5:20 PM

By Steve Ginsburg

BETHESDA, Maryland (Reuters) - American Anthony Kim claimed his second victory of the year by shooting a flawless five-under-par 65 to win the AT&T National by two strokes over Sweden's Fredrik Jacobson on Sunday.

Kim, who entered the final round three strokes behind leader Tom Pernice, recorded five birdies and no bogeys on the rigorous Congressional Country Club course to finish at 12-under 268.

"Winning out here is so tough that any time you get an opportunity to be in the hunt, it feels great," Kim told a news conference.

The 23-year-old Dallas resident, who won the Wachovia Championship in May, admitted he had spent too much time enjoying himself off the course last year before deciding to re-dedicate himself this season.

"My preparation and work ethic couldn't have gotten any worse," Kim said. "So it had to get better.

"And I don't know what tournament it was, but I realized that this isn't way want to do. If I'm going to finish 35th, 25th, every single week, I don't want to play golf.

"I'm making a lot better decisions off the course now. I'm staying away from bad people and staying away from bad places."

The 33-year-old Jacobson double bogeyed the third hole but then reeled off seven birdies en route to his final round 65.

The Swede paid tribute to Kim, who received a $1 million paycheck for the triumph to push his earnings this season to over $3.2 million.

"He's got a lot of game," said Jacobson. "He's a great ball striker. Hits it far. He's got good flight on his long irons, as well.

"So he's a guy that can play really well on tough courses."

There was a six-way tie for third with Americans Jim Furyk, Dean Wilson, and Tommy Armour III, and Australians Rod Pampling, Robert Allenby and Nick O'Hern all at 271, three shots behind Kim.

Pernice had a wild final round, imploding with three bogeys and two double bogeys as well as making five birdies. He finished with a two-over 72 and tied for ninth at eight-under.

"At least I made a few birdies in there," said the 48-year-old Pernice, who was looking for his first title since 2001. "But it was very disappointing."

(Writing by Steve Ginsburg; Editing by Padraic Halpin)

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