The three players went back-and-forth throughout the back nine trading birdies and bogeys leading to Streelman finishing with 7-under par in the group ahead of Dillon and Ballard, while the pair stood in the 18th fairway with Dillon at 8-under & Ballard at 7-under.

Both players hit their approaches within 12 feet on the 600 yard par 5, 18th with the result of the tournament in the balance. Ballard, putting first, took a harsh lip-out on his straight-ish uphill putt that left the moderately sized gallery around the green shocked of the miss.

Dillon then, with two putts to win, calmly judged his downhill 10-footer with perfect speed, lagging to inches before tapping in for the victory.

"I don't know what else to say except this win really means a lot to me," said Dillon. "It's been a long year, and even though I've played well, I just haven't gotten it done…I have to credit my wife Shana because she's kept telling me to hang in there all year, and that's exactly what I did this week."

Ballard, after losing his lead to Dillon in the closing holes while leading the tournament for most of the week, shared obvious disappointment, but took away a positive experience while crediting Dillon for his play.

"I just made too many errors and let it slip away today," said Ballard. "It was a rough start and I lost my lead after 4 holes, then fought back to lead by one after 11, just to lose it again with a bad tee shot on the 12th…I was pleased at least that I gave myself a few good chances on the last couple of holes, especially with that last putt (on the 18th) doing everything but going in, but I have to say (Dillon) deserves it. He played well when he had to and the duel we had today was a great…I mean, its fantastic to be in contention at the end of an event like this and to have a putt to tie it at the last - that's what it's all about and why we're out here. I'll take a positive experience away from this week and hopefully it will help me in (PGA Tour Qualifying) a few weeks from now."

Dillon's consistent play led to only 9 bogeys during a week that left many talented players frustrated with big numbers at The Legacy, and with his smooth victory, he walks away from this year's Tour Championship as the Summer Series Leading Money-winner ($95,194.20) and the Year-long leading Money-winner ($134,132.49) over both markets.

"It's just awesome to have this opportunity next year," said Dillon of the exemption. No matter what happens at Q-school, it means a lot to know I'll be playing in that event regardless, and I hope I can take advantage of the opportunity I've been given."

"Nobody really knew what to expect of coming up here," he admitted. "All of us (players) knew the staff has been working hard to prepare for this event, and besides all of them doing an amazing job in getting this set up, I have to say it was nice to come somewhere where they really want you to come. It's not a knock on Arizona or Florida, but to come up to Iowa where the people want to come out and watch and couldn't be more friendly about us being here, I think this week was a success."

Dillon is a multiple winner on The Gateway Tour who's played it since 2003, and with his Tour Championship victory in Iowa, he's hoping for success in the upcoming PGA Tour Qualifying.

"This will be my 11th Q-school this year, and I'm hoping to be able to take some of the confidence from this week on to help me during the whole process," said Dillon.

The Legacy and the Gateway Tour are hoping to extend this partnership beyond the 2008 season. If you missed this years exciting finish you can mark your calendar for the first week in October 2008 when The Gateway Tour Championship will return.