PRO-AM GOLF AT NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB : Dennis’ Birdie Clinches Second Tournament Victory

NEWPORT BEACH —  Clark Dennis of Ft. Worth, Tex., made a 15-foot birdie putt on the final hole to secure his second consecutive victory in the Taco Bell Newport Classic pro-am golf tournament Saturday at the Newport Beach Country Club.

Dennis, whose 67 Friday included a hole in one, finished with a second-round 69 and a total of six-under-par 136. He won $12,000 of the $65,000 purse.

Sean Murphy of Scottsdale, Ariz., shot a second-round 67 and finished a shot back. Ronald Stelten of Palm Desert and Chris Perry of Columbus, Ohio, were tied for third at 138.

First-round leader Frank Conner of San Antonio, Tex., followed his opening 66 with a 79 to fall out of contention.

Ben Bates of Havana, Fla., and Gary Johnson of La Quinta won the pro-am competition and $1,000 with a 62 Saturday and a two-round total of 16-under 126.