ENDICOTT, N.Y. — When asked about finishing second so often on the Champions Tour, R.W. Eaks was quick with a reply.

"It's hard to get over the hump of winning the first tournament out here," said Eaks, who was a runner-up five times the past two seasons. "But that money's awesome. You might not be as happy coming in second, but boy when that check rolls around on Tuesday, you kind of forget about it."

Consider it forgotten.

Eaks finally broke through for that elusive first victory on Sunday, closing with a 6-under 66 to win the inaugural Dick's Sporting Goods Open.

"I honestly didn't know if I could win a tournament," said Eaks, who finished at 17-under 199 over the 54 holes to beat rookie Bruce Vaughan by three shots.

It marked the end of a long journey for the affable, slow-talking Colorado native, who was told to quit the game after the only golf lesson he ever took. Eaks was winless in 77 PGA Tour events.