GOLF Late-bloomer Toms shows he can play

David Toms was outstanding as he posted the 12th victory of his career.
HONOLULU (AP) -- David Toms isn't worried about his heart, which is ticking fine.
Trouble is, the clock is ticking, too.
A late bloomer who didn't capture his first PGA Tour victory until he was 30, Toms is starting to see the window of opportunity closing. He turned 39 the day before the season-opening Mercedes Championships began on Maui, which makes him wonder how many years remain of his best golf.
And as he showed Sunday at the Sony Open, his best golf is very good.
Toms went 41 consecutive holes without a 5 on his card in the wind and winding fairways of Waialae. He followed the best score of his career, a 9-under 61 that set a course record, with two birdies in three holes that sent him on his way to a 65 and a five-shot victory over two helpless challengers, Chad Campbell and Rory Sabbatini.
It was the 12th victory of his career, which includes a major and a World Golf Championship.
"I'm not saying I'm close to being done or anything," Toms said. "But I have to get it now when I can, and when I do play well, capitalize on it."
Has come a long way
Toms concedes he has come a long way from where he was four months ago.
After the first nine holes of the 84 Lumber Classic, he felt his heart beating out his chest, dropped to a knee and nearly fainted. Strapped onto a stretcher, his heart rate climbed to 170 beats per minute, and he was rushed to a hospital and briefly listed in critical condition.
He had an electrical problem in his heart, and had surgery to fix it after the season.
"I'm OK," Toms said. "That's definitely behind me."
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.