Teater held on to win the Utah Championship -- and the $99,000 check -- by four strokes at 20 under par. The victory also pushed the Kentucky native to No. 8 on the tour's money list, virtually assuring Teater of a spot on the PGA Tour in 2010.

"It definitely helps, for sure," Teater said. "I don't think anything's a lock in this game. I'll try to do it again next week.

"I played six years on the Hooter's Tour and never came very close really."

However, Teater's victory Sunday afternoon didn't come without a few uncomfortable moments created by Tyler Aldridge's efforts. Even the champion's march up the final fairway was soured a bit when he put his tee shot in the water on Willow Creek Country Club's par 3 finishing hole for a double bogey.

"I had a perfect 8-iron, like I had all week," Teater said. "I hit it thin. I'm glad I had a six-shot cushion."

Yet, in the end, despite early rain and winds, and a late lightning threat, Teater played his best when his best was needed, including birdieing three of the first four holes after the turn.

"I know I had a little bit of a cushion," Teater said. "I wanted to put the hammer down on the back nine."

Aldridge, who started the day in 12th position and was playing several groups in front of Teater, made a strong push, going as low as 7 under as Teater gave back three shots. Eventually, they moved into a tie at 17 under.

"Honestly, I didn't look at the scoreboard," Aldridge said. "I try to stay away from it."

Both players were tied at 18 under when the tournament turned back toward Teater for good.

Aldridge bogeyed No. 17, a par 5, then missed a three-foot par putt on 18. In the same moments that Aldridge was taking on water, Teater righted his ship, birdieing 12 and 13 to push his advantage back to four strokes to put an end to the competition.

"I can't really think about that too much," said Aldridge, whose previous best finish was 66th. "I'm happy with my round. It's my first time being in contention. All the work is starting to pay off."

Teater even chipped in for an eagle on No. 17 to move to 22 under, tying, for the moment, the event's record low score. For the tournament, Teater played the course's five par 5s in 21-under par. He was first in eagles, driving distance and putts.

Aldridge, one of several PGA Tour players not eligible for this week's BMW Championship in Chicago, eventually finished second, good enough to win $59,400. A group of three tied for third, earning $26,400 each.

Daniel Summerhays rebounded from a disappointing 75 on Saturday to post the day's second-best score Sunday at 67. Summerhays, the only Utahn to make the cut, finished tied for 25th.