Golf: Beljan claims first PGA win

LAKE BUENA VISTA: Charlie Beljan capped a wild week with an emotional first US PGA Tour victory, posting a two-stroke triumph just two days after he was hospitalised with a panic attack. Beljan carded a three-under 69 final round, countering a double-bogey and three bogeys with eight birdies for a 16-under total of 272. Beljan needed a good week to move into the top 125 and secure full playing privileges for next season. With the victory, he’s guaranteed his tour card for the next two seasons, but for a time it looked as if he wouldn’t even be able to finish the tournament. Beljan was in hospital on Friday night, after an apparent panic attack had him battling shortness of breath, an elevated heart rate and light-headedness during the round.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2012.