Brian Gay is a grinder. It's been that way his entire career. Gay turned pro in 1994 but didn't qualify for the PGA Tour until 1999. And although he's kept his card for a decade, Gay didn't win his first tournament until last year -- the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Mexico -- and even that didn't automatically qualify him for the Masters. (It was opposite the World Golf Championships' Match Play and not full-field event. Another reason you may not remember it: Tiger won the Match Play, and, oddly, that got more play in the media. Weird.)
But after dominating the Verizon Heritage this weekend, Gay will not only enjoy his requisite two-year exemption on tour, his invite to Augusta National next April is now guaranteed.
More Coverage: 'HouseCast on Gay's Win, Todd's Hole-Outs
As for his performance, "dominating" would be an understatement along the lines of "John Daly likes to have a few beers and some hot wings from time to time."
Gay put a beatdown on the rest of the field:
Brian Gay broke the Verizon Heritage scoring mark Sunday, winning by a record 10 strokes to earn his second PGA Tour title. Gay shot a 64 and his total of 20-under 264 bettered by one Loren Roberts' winning score at Harbour Town Golf Links in 1996.Gay's Sunday 64 was his fourth sub-70 round of the week, and it tied Alex Cejka for the best single-day score of the tournament. And for his troubles? A sweet tartan jacket. Represent.
His margin over Luke Donald (66) and Briny Baird (68) surpassed the previous best of seven strokes set by five-time champion Davis Love III in 1998.
Next up on the schedule: the Zurich Classic (New Orleans) and the Quail Hollow Championship (Charlotte), before Tiger Woods returns at The Players Championship.
