LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Davis Love III hit into the rough and a bunker on the last two holes. Then he hit the jackpot.

Love scrambled for pars on both holes and closed with an 8-under 64 to win his first tournament in more than two years, holding off a late challenge from Tommy Gainey for a one-shot victory yesterday in the Children's Miracle Network Classic at Disney World.

It was the 20th career PGA Tour victory for Love, giving him a lifetime exemption. Among active players, only Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson have won at least 20 times.

"I always questioned, 'Am I doing the right thing? Why am I still doing this?' " the 44-year-old Love said. "I didn't doubt my desire, or that I could still compete, it was just the little things I had to do."

Gainey, who had $65,405 in earnings heading into the final tournament of the year, shot 30 on the back nine, including birdies on the final two holes, for a 64. He made $496,800 to go from No. 228 to No. 148 on the money list. That gets him into the final stage of Q-school, and his conditional status for being in the top 150 should get him about 15 starts next year.

"I played horrible, terrible this year," Gainey said. "I had one week, and this was the week. I definitely assured myself of a place to play next year."

Love stepped in a hole playing a recreational round last year and tore two ankle ligaments. During his time off, he worked harder on conditioning and spent time with sports psychologist Bob Rotella, who convinced him to adopt a take-no-prisoner approach.

That came in handy over the final two holes.

With a two-shot lead, Love's tee shot on the 17th nearly found the water but still was buried in deep rough, leaving him no shot at the green. He laid up 100 yards short, hit wedge to 7 feet and saved par. From the right rough on the 18th, his ball came out hot and flew the green into a back bunker. Needing par to win, he blasted out to 3 feet and made the putt.

"I was in trouble (on 18) but I was still confident I could get the ball up and in," Love said. "I didn't worry about winning or losing or screwing up."

Love went 64-64 on the weekend, the best final 36-hole score in the tournament's 38-year history.

Scott Verplank and Steve Marino, tied for the lead going into the final round, each closed with 71 and tied for third.

MIZUNO CLASSIC

SHIMA, Japan — Shin Ji-yai won the Mizuno Classic for her second LPGA Tour title and ninth international victory of the year, shooting a 5-under 67 to easily hold off Mayu Hattori at Kinetsu Kashikojima.

The Women's British Open winner and the first player to sweep the Korea LPGA Tour's three majors in a season, Shin finished at 15-under 201 for her second victory of the year in Japan. The 20-year-old South Korean star earned $210,000.

"I played for three weeks straight, so my body is naturally tired," Shin said. "This week was just really comfortable, and I felt like I could make everything."

Hattori closed with a 67 to finish second, six strokes back in the event sanctioned by the LPGA Tour and JLPGA.

NATIONWIDE TOUR

McKINNEY, Texas — Matt Bettencourt won the Nationwide Tour Championship to take the season money title, birdieing the final hole at TPC Craig Ranch for a 2-under 69 and a one-stroke victory over Jeff Klauk.

Bettencourt, who finished at 17-under 267, earned $180,000 to win the money title with $447,863. He earned full exempt PGA Tour status, the equivalent of finishing in the top 125 on the top circuit's money list. Brendon de Jonge was second with $437,035.