David Duval concluded his astonishing finish to the PGA Tour season with a three-underpar 68 to win the Tour Championship in Houston yesterday. Duval thus became the first golfer in over four years to win three consecutive events he has entered.

Duval, who finished with an 11-under-par 273, jumped to second on the money list, behind Tiger Woods who was eight strokes back on 281 but who still became the first Tour played to surpass the $2 million mark in one season.

Jim Furyk carded a final round 67 to finish second at 10-under 274, while Davis Love, tied for the lead entering the final round, fired a one-under 70 to finish at 275.

Mark Calcavecchia, playing in his fifth straight Tour Championship, posted a 70 to finish tied for fourth with Bill Glasson (72) at seven under par 277.

Brad Faxon, last year's runnerup, and Sweden's Jesper Parnevik tied for sixth at six under 278. Faxon struggled to a 73, his only round over par, while Parnevik carded a 70.

Duval, who had finished second seven times on the PGA Tour, finally secured his maiden victory at the Michelob Championship three weeks ago. He promptly won the following week's Disney Classic, then took last week off to rest up for the Tour Championship.

"The weeks when I won, I stayed really patient and played my game," he continued. "It taught me a lot about hanging in there, being patient. I take it that's what I need to do, not try to force things.

"A lot of it boils down to good breaks, and making some putts when you need to. I've been fortunate the last few weeks to get the good breaks."