McNabb wins Phila. PGA Pro title in playoff

Dave McNabb began the final round of the Philadelphia PGA Professional Championship with a 5-stroke lead but found a way to make it exciting in the final few holes.

After a double bogey at the 16th hole put his chances to win in jeopardy, McNabb, head pro at Applebrook Golf Club, sank a six-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole at Concord Country Club to force a playoff, then sank a five-footer for eagle at the first extra hole to capture the section title for the first time in his career.

McNabb, who fired a career-best 63 on Wednesday, survived a strong charge by Steve Swartz of Conestoga. Swartz finished birdie-eagle for a 66 to become the first to post a 54-hole score of 9-under 204. After Swartz sank a seven-foot putt for eagle at the par-5 18th, McNabb, playing in the same group, got his birdie putt to fall for a 73 and the tie.

The two men went back to the tee at the 526-yard 18th and McNabb, with the honors, struck "probably one of the best drives of my life." He had 162 left to the green, hit an 8-iron close and finished with the win.

"This is the biggest tournament victory for me, no question about it," said McNabb, 49, who has played in two PGA Championships. "There are a lot of amazing names on the trophy, good guys. I feel fortunate to be listed with those guys."

John Lynch of Wild Quail fired a 66 and was alone in third place at 206. The top 12 finishers qualified for next year's PGA Professional Championship in Verona, N.Y.

- Joe Juliano
The qualifiers

x-Dave McNabb, Applebrook . . . 68-63-73-204

Steve Swartz, Conestoga . . . 68-70-66-204

John Lynch, Wild Quail . . . 73-67-66-206

Rich Steinmetz, Spring-Ford . . . 70-71-67-208

Josh Rackley, Gulph Mills . . . 70-70-68-208

George Forster, Radnor Valley . . . 68-70-71-209

Stu Ingraham, M-Golf . . . 70-70-70-210

Jakob Gerney, Trump Nat-Phila . . . 72-70-68-210

Mark Sheftic, Merion . . . 70-69-71-210

Dave Quinn, Links . . . 74-71-66-211

John Bierkan, Aronimink . . . 72-69-70-211

John Pillar, Woodloch Springs . . . 70-71-70-211

x-won playoff