LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida: Veteran Davis Love held off a late charge by rookie Tommy Gainey to seal his 20th PGA Tour victory on Sunday - and his first in more than two years.

Love, who started the day two shots off the lead, fired an eight-under 64 for a four-round total of 25-under 263 in the 4.6 million-dollar Children's Miracle Network Classic.

He finished one shot in front of Gainey, whose own 64 for 264 saw him play the back nine in six-under-par.

Love saved par from a bunker at the final hole to secure the hard-fought victory, which earned him a lifetime exemption to play on the US Tour.

For Love, whose last victory was at the 2006 Greensboro Classic, the victory in the last tournament of 2008 was a satisfying end to a sometimes difficult season.

He missed some time in August and September to rest his surgically repaired left ankle, which he had originally injured in 2007.

He had not posted a top-18 finish this year until he tied for third place at the Turning Stone Resort Classic on October 5.

"You know, 13 months after ankle surgery - you've seen me a lot this Fall Series," Love said of the final string of tournaments which most of the game's elite players elect to skip.

"I've been out here grinding, trying to get a win. My family supported me and let me come play for six weeks. It has been a lot of fun. I'm glad to get one (win) in."

Overnight co-leaders Scott Verplank and Steve Marino finished tied for third at 20-under after they each signed for a 71.

- AFP/yt