Fred in a Funk no longer

Fred Funk led from start to finish to claim a famous victory in the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Mexico.

Funk defeated Argentina’s Jose Coceres on the second play-off hole to become only the second man to win a PGA Tour event after winning on the Champions Tour.

The pair finished tied on 14 under par after Funk carded a closing 71 and Coceres a 69.

“I think I validated how good the players are on the Champions Tour,” said Funk, at 50 years, eight months and 12 days the fifth oldest winner ever on the PGA Tour.

“Even though you are 50 or 51 through 55 age doesn’t really mean anything. I just want to see how long I can last.”

Funk led the PGA Tour’s first tournament in Mexico since setting the course record with an eight-under-par 62 in the first round.

He was never headed but was pegged back by Coceres after 14 holes of Sunday’s final round before holing the winning birdie putt in extra holes.

Craig Stadler was the first Champions Tour winner to win a PGA TOUR event when he followed his 2003 Ford Senior Players win with a victory the following week in the BC Open.

Stadler’s son, Kevin, competed against Funk in Mexico, finishing joint 13th at six under.