John Huston broke a scoring record that was set 16 years before he was born, winning the Hawaiian Open with a score of 28 under par, one stroke better than the record set by Ben Hogan in 1945 and equalled by Mike Souchak a decade later.
"This is a tremendous win. I couldn't be any happier. I knew I was playing really well and I really kept control," said Huston.
Huston shot a final round 66 at Waialae Country Club and beat Tom Watson, who also shot 66, by seven strokes.
Huston also set a new tournament scoring record by five strokes, and established a new PGA Tour birdie record as well. Huston had 31 birdies this week, two more than the old record, set by Chip Beck at Disney in 1988.
"I think the scoring is a testament to the shape the golf course is in and the perfect weather we've had this week," said Huston.
With virtually no wind or rough, Waialae yielded 54 eagles and more than 2,000 birdies, and the field was collectively 1,064 strokes under par.
"We can't have every course be the US Open. I have to say I enjoyed shooting 21 under par. I haven't done that in 15 years," said Watson.
Huston began the day at 22 under par and a six-stroke lead. Well aware of the scoring record, Huston smiled broadly as he tapped in from six inches for birdie on the 11th hole to reach 27 under par.
He went back to 26 under on the next hole, making just his third bogey of the week when he skulled a bunker shot back across the green for his only bad shot of the day. On virtually every other hole Huston's approach shots were right on top of the flagsticks.
On the par-five 18th hole Huston nearly holed his fourwood second shot, setting up an easy two-putt for a birdie, the win, and the history books.
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