To say that Pat Perez was excited to win his first of a seven year tour career and to have the award presented to him by Arnold Palmer is an understatement.

Perez received $918,000 as his first prize check and a Chrysler 300C car.

For the close win over John Merrick, Perez took it home with a three-foot eagle putt. As he made it 5-time Hope winner Arnold Palmer was there to greet him.

"I think it's special," said Perez. "I feel privileged to win the tournament that Mr. Palmer won 50 years ago, and now he's back hosting it. I feel honored that he was there to shake my hand when I got done. He's such a legend that it's just a great feeling on top of everything else.

Congratulations to Mr. Perez!

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