NEW ORLEANS — As he began the second round of the Compaq Classic, defending champion Carlos Franco found himself tied with Blaine McCallister. It was still that way 55 holes later.
Then Franco, after twice seeming to be the runner-up to McCallister, made a 3-foot putt for par on the second playoff hole Sunday to repeat as winner of the $3.5 million tournament.
"It was a good fight, but I never give up," Franco said.
The 18th hole was McCallister's undoing in both regulation and the playoff when he had chances to win but didn't.
"Your nerves are jumping, how can they not be?" McCallister said. "A chance to win a golf tournament, that's what you dream about. I want my sixth golf tournament, and I had a chance today and didn't get it."
McCallister, who last won a PGA tournament in 1993, has won five times in his 18-year career.
He had a one-stroke lead over Franco after 17 holes Sunday. His second shot on the 72nd hole went into the front bunker, and he missed a 12-foot putt for par. Franco saved par by making a 5-footer, leaving both with closing 4-under-par 68s and 18-under 270 totals after four rounds at the 7,116-yard English Turn Golf & Country Club course.
LPGA: At Austin, Texas, Laura Davies shot a 2-over-par 72 but held on for a two-stroke victory over Dottie Pepper at the Philips Invitational.
It was the 60th win of Davies' international career and 19th in 12 years on the LPGA Tour. She finished with a 5-under 275 total and needs just three more points for automatic qualification to the LPGA Hall of Fame. Pepper shot a 67 to finish at 277.
SENIORS: At Charlotte, N.C., Bruce Fleisher won his third Senior PGA Tour event of the season, making a birdie on the third playoff hole to beat Hubert Green and retain his Home Depot Invitational title.
It was Fleisher's 10th victory in 44 tournaments. He closed with a 4-under-par 68 at TPC Piper Glen, as he and Green (70) each matched the tournament record with 13-under 203 finishes.