GOLF

BRYANT RUNS AWAY WITH TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Bart Bryant closed with a 3-under 67 yesterday at the Tour Championship in Atlanta in a record performance that capped off a remarkable year. Bryant birdied his first two holes to open a six shot lead and led by at least four shots the rest of the way around East Lake, winning by six shots over Tiger Woods to capture the $1.17 million prize – more money than he won in his first 18 years as a pro.

Bryant, 42, got up-and-down from behind the 18th green for par to finish at 17-under 263 and break by four shots the 72-hole record at the Tour Championship set five years ago at East Lake by Phil Mickelson. His victory margin matched the largest by Tom Lehman at Southern Hills in 1996.

Woods had three birdies in a four-hole stretch to give himself a chance, but the best he could do was a 69 to finish at 11-under 269. Woods earned $715,000 and finished his six-win, two-major year with $10.6 million.

Scott Verplank shot 69 and finished at 271. Retief Goosen, trying to become the first back-to-back winner of the Tour Championship, never did find his swing and bogeyed four of the first five holes on the back nine, sending him to a 74.

FOOTBALL

EAGLES GIVE WESTBROOK FIVE-YEAR EXTENSION

Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook signed a five-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday. Westbrook had been seeking a long-term deal since the end of last season. He held out the first week of training camp and ended talks in September after saying he was “disrespected” by the team’s offer. The deal reportedly is worth almost $25 million and includes bonuses of $9-$10 million.

Westbrook, who has complained about not getting enough carries this season, had rushed for 304 yards and one touchdown going into last night’s game at Washington. He also had 39 catches for 423 yards and four touchdowns. A fourth-year pro, Westbrook had a breakout year in 2004 with 812 yards rushing and 73 catches for 703 yards.

– Associated Press