Former NHLer Dan Quinn wins celebrity golf event

Last Updated: Monday, July 22, 2002 | 9:54 AM ET

CBC Sports

Always known for his offense of the ice, former NHLer Dan Quinn did a good job defending on the golf course.

Quinn posted his third consecutive round of one-under-par 71 Sunday to win the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship for the second year in a row. He became the first player in the 13-year history of the tournament to successfully defend his title.

"I just felt great starting out today," said Quinn. "I played really well the first five holes, as good as I've ever played."

Quinn's 54-hole total of three-under 213 left him two strokes clear of ex- major league pitcher Rick Rhoden, the Celebrity Tour's all-time wins leader.

Rhoden shared the top spot with Quinn after Saturday's round, but bogeyed two of the first four holes Sunday at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course to fall off the pace.

"[Quinn] was playing awful good, and I just didn't make anything happen all day," said Rhoden, who will attempt to qualify for next year's Senior PGA Tour.

Rhoden, who has won this event five times, closed with a one- over 73 to finish second at one-under-par 215.

The win was the second of the season for Quinn, who held off Rhoden to earn the Las Vegas Celebrity Classic title back in March.

Quinn, who finished three shots in front of runner-up Rhoden last year in Lake Tahoe, was also the American Century champ in 1992.

Quinn collected the $100,000 US first prize, $10,000 of which he will donate to a scholarship fund for families of New York City firefighters.

Three members from the FDNY played this week in the tournament, and Quinn said he was looking forward to spending some time with them.

"I tip my hat to them," he said.

"It's great to have them a part of this event and I'm going to go have a couple of beers with them now."

Former NFL quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver turned in the day's best round of two-under 70 to finish in third place at even-par 216.

Steve Bartkowski, another ex-QB, shot 71 to finish at two-over 218 with actor Jack Wagner, who carded a 74.

Former tennis star Ivan Lendl (75) was alone in sixth place at three-over par, followed by ex-Miami Dolphins safety Dick Anderson (76) at four-over and former NHL goalie Grant Fuhr (72) at plus-five.

Former NFL placekicker Al Del Greco, the 2000 American Century champion, closed with a 71 to finish ninth at six-over par.