LA QUINTA, Calif. — ASM Rising Star Pat Perez picked up his first PGA Tour win Sunday, capturing the title at the 50th Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Perez opened tournament play on Wednesday with a 61, just two shots off the magical PGA tour record of 59.  He followed with a second round 63 on Thursday, sending him to a 20-under-par total of 124, which established a new PGA Tour record (Tom Lehman held the previous record of 19-under 125 after 36 holes at the 2001 Las Vegas Classic).

But Steve Stricker, who was eight shots back after two rounds, charged into the lead on Saturday, taking a 3-shot advantage into the final day of play.

Stricker would struggle on Sunday, however, shooting a 5-over 77, while Perez held steady to hold off challenger John Merrick by three strokes.

The title earned Perez a $918,000 payday.

Read ASM's Pat Perez interview