Broncos Win! Broncos Win! … and so does Jimmy Walker

Chris Duthie

It’s probably undisputed that most Colorado sports fans sat glued to their televisions on Sunday watching Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos confound the San Diego Chargers to set up next week’s AFC Championship versus the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots. 

But while Manning was amassing more votes for what undoubtedly will be his fifth NFL MVP crown, it almost went unnoticed that Jimmy Walker was ripping up Waialae Country Club in Oahu, Hawai’i, on his way to winning the PGA Tour’s Sony Open.

Which is unfortunate, because Walker’s own uber-controlled aerial and ground game resulted in some very impressive golf—66-67-67-63, including a bogey-free back-nine 30 on Sunday—to win his second career Tour title in his last six starts.

“It was really cool golf today,” said the suddenly hot Oklahoma journeyman, whose first Tour victory came four months ago at the Frys.com Open. “I stayed patient… calm and under control… [which is] what you’ve got to feel and do when it’s time to win.”

Sounds so Peyton-esque, doesn’t he?

NOTE: Colorado’s Derek Tolan, the medalist in the Monday qualifier for the Sony Open, finished tied for 70^th with a 2-over 282 total. The 28-year-old CU grad and two-time Colorado Open winner, shot 6-over on Sunday, dropping him from 48^th. He earned $11,144 for his weekend of work.

THIS WEEK: The Humana Challenge at PGA West (Palmer Course) in La Quinta, Calif. Golf legend Gary Player and President Bill Clinton will co-host the $5.7 million event, which features 156 Tour professionals and has raised more than $2.1 million for local charities.

The LPGA Tour launches its 2014 season Jan. 23 at the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic in Paradise Island, Bahamas. The $1.3 million tournament will be defended by Ilhee Lee of South Korea.

Ilhee Lee of South Korea, last year's Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic winner.

RELATED LINKS

Odyssey Antes Up at the Sony Open

Humana Challenge Website

Catch Up on the LPGA Tour

Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.