Birdie gives Pernice Champions debut win

CARY, N.C., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Tom Pernice Jr. sank a 30-foot birdie putt on the final hole Sunday and won the SAS Championship in North Carolina, his first event on the Champions Tour.

Pernice shot a final-round 3-under-par 69 for an overall score of 13-under 203.

David Frost (67) and Nick Price (68) tied for second place at 204. Dan Forsman (70) was fourth at 205.

"It was a great experience and great week," Pernice said. "I played well and I was fortunate enough that it (the final putt) went in."

Pernice, who was a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, collected $315,000 for his SAS victory.