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Chris Kirk drives from the 18th fairway during the third round of the Viking Classic PGA golf tournament on Saturday, July 16, 2011, in Madison, Miss. Rogelio V. Solis, Associated Press
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Tom Pernice Jr. watches his chip shot on the ninth hole of the final round of the Viking Classic PGA golf tournament, Sunday, July 17, 2011, in Madison, Miss. Rogelio V. Solis, Associated Press
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Chris Kirk watches his chip shot on the ninth hole of the final round of the Viking Classic PGA golf tournament, Sunday, July 17, 2011, in Madison, Miss. Rogelio V. Solis, Associated Press
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Sunghoon Kang of South Korea watches his drive from the 10th tee during the final round of the Viking Classic golf tournament, Sunday, July 17, 2011 in Madison, Miss. Rogelio V. Solis, Associated Press
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George McNeill watches his tee shot on the first hole of the final round of the Viking Classic PGA golf tournament, Sunday, July 17, 2011 in Madison, Miss. Rogelio V. Solis, Associated Press
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Chris Kirk watches his tee shot on the opening hole of the final round of the Viking Classic PGA golf tournament, Sunday, July 17, 2011, in Madison, Miss. Rogelio V. Solis, Associated Press
By Associated Press

MADISON, Miss. — Chris Kirk won his first PGA Tour event with a one-stroke victory in the Viking Classic, shooting a 4-under 68 to beat Tom Pernice Jr. and George McNeill by one stroke.

The 26-year-old rookie tied the tournament record with a 22-under performance over four rounds, taking advantage of Annandale Golf Club's soft greens and fairway. He broke a tie with McNeill on No. 17, hitting a 140-yard approach over water to within five feet of the hole for an easy birdie putt.

The 51-year-old Pernice fell just short in his attempt to become the second-oldest winner in tour history, missing a birdie putt on No. 18.

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Kirk is the fifth rookie to win this season — only the second time that's happened since 1970.

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