CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Keith Clearwater had to settle for an even-par 72 Friday but that was enough to give him a three-shot victory in the Champions Tour Qualifying Tournament.
Clearwater posted a 72-hole total of 16-under 272 to ensure his full playing privileges next year on the Champions Tour. He became eligible to compete on the tour when he turned 50 in September.
The top five finishers in the event earned their tour card for 2011.
First-round leader Frankie Minoza, who had slumped to a 74 Thursday, rallied with a 67 and shared second place at 275 with Phil Blackmar and Lee Rinker. Roger Chapman, Robert Thompson and John Morse tied for fifth at 276 and Morse birdied the first hole of a playoff to gain the final fully-exempt spot.
Clearwater won twice on the regular PGA Tour, both of the victories coming in 1987.
Among those who failed to earn status on the Champions Tour were Fulton Allem, Blaine McCallister and Krishna Singh, the older brother of Hall of Fame member Vijay Singh.
