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NAPLES, Fla. - Lee Janzen and Rocco Mediate started the final round of the 14th annual Franklin Templeton Shootout with a three-shot advantage. That lead evaporated quickly, thanks to a birdie binge from the field's young guns, David Gossett and Matt Kuchar.
With the two teams tied at 30-under-par, Janzen stuck a smooth 8-iron from 157 yards on the final hole to three feet. Mediate tapped in for birdie to secure a one-shot victory over the former U.S. amateur champions and the team of John Huston and Jeff Maggert.
"We were worried about the kids all day," Mediate said, referencing Gossett, 23, and Kuchar, 24, who put forth a mighty Sunday charge. "But Lee hit about as good a shot as you could imagine in that situation.
"I needed a ball on the ground where I knew we could make a four," Janzen added. "Rocco did that and I was able to take a run at it."
Janzen and Mediate closed with a 58 and split the $500,000 winner's share. Tournament host Greg Norman and Fred Couples notched a 62 Sunday and finished at 17 under.
Sunday's scramble provided a slew of birdies and eagles, and the action really heated up on 17.
"The golf course sets up well for an exciting finish with the par-5 17th," Norman said. "That hole offers these guys a chance for an eagle coming in."
Janzen's second shot came to rest 15 feet from the hole, but neither he nor Mediate could convert the eagle putt. They tapped in for birdie and stepped to the 18th tee tied for the lead with Gossett and Kuchar.
"I hit my best drive of the week on 18," Mediate said. I hadn't been feeling my best this week, but I just let one unwind there."
"We really didn't play as well today as we did yesterday," Janzen said. "I guess you can say we won the tournament yesterday."
Gossett and Kuchar started with a string of seven birdies. Pars followed on eight and 10, and they closed with eight consecutive birdies. That translated to a 16-under 56, Tiburón's course record.
After his approach carried the greenside bunker and rolled within 20 feet of the cup on 17, Gossett left his eagle putt inches short. Kuchar took a more aggressive line and missed on the high side.
Gossett split the fairway on 18 and Kuchar's approach stopped eight feet short of a pin that was tucked precariously close to a water hazard left of the green. Kuchar made that putt and the team finished at 30 under.
"They're (Gossett and Kuchar) both very good, consistent players and there's not a bit of fear in their bones."
Gossett and Kuchar delighted the galleries all week at the Norman-designed Tiburón Golf Club and walked away $130,000 richer.
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