Palmer’s birdie gives him Sony title

Ryan Palmer went from anxious to overwhelmed in a matter of seconds when his chip hit the pin and left him a tap-in for birdie and a one-shot victory over Robert Allenby in the Sony Open.

Palmer, tied with Allenby over the final three holes Sunday, came up short of the green on the par-5 18th. After Allenby chipped from behind the green to just inside 10 feet, Palmer’s chip bounced in front of the cup and struck the pin squarely, settling inches away.

Allenby missed his birdie putt, and Palmer tapped in for a 4-under 66 and his third career victory.

Allenby closed with a 67 in his bid to win for the third straight time on three different tours.