Golf: Healthy Toms cruises to win

HONOLULU — The image returns when some people see David Toms. They remember him on a stretcher, an oxygen mask strapped to his face as he was loaded into an ambulance with his heart beating out of control.

That was Sept. 15 at the 84 Lumber Classic in Farmington, Pa.

Rest assured, Toms says his heart is fine. And it wasn't under much stress Sunday in the Sony Open.

Toms blew away the field at Waialae Country Club, closing with a 5-under-par 65 for a five-shot victory in the PGA Tour event.

Speaking of his heart and November surgery to repair the problem, Toms said, "That's definitely behind me. Just like when I had hand surgery a couple of years ago, I came out and was able to play well right away and erase any questions that I might have, and whether or not I was going to be able to do it again.

"I've come a long way from that day in Pennsylvania."

Toms was four shots clear at the turn, and didn't let anyone get close. He finished at 19-under 261. Toms earned $918,000 for the 12th PGA Tour victory of his career.

Chad Campbell, tied with Toms entering the final round, didn't make a birdie until the 17th hole and shot a 70.

"One birdie on Sunday isn't going to do it," Campbell said.

He tied for second with Rory Sabbatini, who closed with a 62. Campbell and Sabbatini each made $448,800.

Jeff Gove, a graduate of Inglemoor High School in Kenmore who shot a first-round 66, closed with a 72 and tied for 36th place. He made $23,502.50.

Toms was in control of all aspects of his game on a spectacular day along the shores of the Pacific.

He shot a 61 on Saturday, and on Sunday he hit an 8-iron shot that set up a 12-foot birdie putt on the first hole. His drive on the second hole was down the middle of the fairway.

"It was like, 'Here we go again. I'm going to play good,' " Toms said.

Much of the entertainment value came from 27-year-old rookie Bubba Watson. The lefty seemingly has power not seen since John Daly showed up at the PGA Championship in 1991. Swinging from the heels, Watson blasted four drives farther than 360 yards on a course with no elevation.

A flip wedge into the par-5 18th hole set up a short eagle for a 65 that gave Watson fourth place in his debut.

"I remember when I was a rookie and would just let it go," Sabbatini said. "There's absolutely no possibility I could ever have hit it that far."

David Duval also started his season well, closing with a 63 for his best score in nearly three years. He finished in a tie for 31st.

Toms wasn't certain what to make of his future in September, when his heart was out of control between nines in the first round at 84 Lumber — up to 170 beats a minute.

He was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital and briefly listed in critical condition when he was stabilized. He was diagnosed with an electrical problem with the heart.