Sunday at Independence Country Club in Richmond, in his first tournament since undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in December, and at the same age as Woods, Faber Jamerson won the SunTrust State Open of Virginia for the third time, earning a check of $6,000.

“Words can’t describe this one. [It’s] very special,” said Jamerson, 32. “After all the rehab and all we went through during the beginning part of the year, it really is rewarding and feels great.”

Shooting a final round 70, Jamerson finished the 72-hole tournament at 19-under-par (65-68-66-70 – 269), rolling to a five-stroke victory over Haymarket amateur Scott Shingler (69) and Roanoke pro Chip Sullivan (68), who finished as runner-up for the second straight year.

Jamerson, a pro at Falling River Country Club in Appomattox, was a stroke shy of the tournament record (268), set in 1991 by Robert Wrenn, but had the lowest score relative to par in the 25-year history of the event.

After opening the final round with a five-stroke lead, Jamerson removed all doubt during a six-hole stretch of the front nine, which he played at 5-under par, to a take an 8-stroke lead. The key hole was No. 8, a par 5. From 222 yards out, Jamerson hit a 4-iron to within 8 feet and drained the ensuing eagle putt. 

The long-hitting Jamerson was brilliant on the outward half all tournament, playing it at 13-under. On the longest hole on the course, the 552-yard 4th, Jamerson made birdies in all four rounds. He also played No. 13, a par 5, at 3-under-par this week.

Jamerson won the Virginia Open as an amateur in 1999 at Ford’s Colony and as a pro in 2006 Willow Oaks. But this one, after surgery, was special.

“Much more rewarding, more enjoyable,” said Jamerson. “To win one here at Independence, the home of golf in Virginia, is very, very rewarding.”

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