Farmington • Nick Mason had plans to attend the PGA Tour's Qualifying School. But there was the little matter of finances.

Mason's financial problems were solved Sunday afternoon following a gritty, high-wire act that saw the Denver professional survive by one shot to win the Utah Open Championship at Oakridge Country Club.

"This is bigger than a lot of things," said Mason, the extra-size winner's check for $20,000 resting nearby. "This was more than just a golf tournament."

Starting the final round with a five-shot lead, Mason saved his day with a short game that was nothing short of brilliant. He also sank a handful of lengthy par putts that helped fend off a furious charge by last year's champion, Nathan Lashley, of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Lashley, a three-time winner this year on the mini-tour circuit, won last year with a final round of 63. Another such performance would have created a playoff. However, following a bogey on 17, Lashley finished with a 64 and the eventual second-place check of $14,000.

Mason finished the day 1-under for a three-day total of 12-under par 204.

"Nick and I are good buddies," Lashley said. "I was laughing the whole back nine. He probably wasn't too happy with me."

Cameron Crawford, of Sandy, starting the day tied for second, won low amateur honors with a three-day total of 5-under par.

"Obviously, you feel a little bit of pressure," he said of playing with the final group. "It was great experience, something to build upon."

Sunday's round was notable for the perfect golfing conditions. Rain and lightning caused problems Friday, while high winds Saturday plagued everyone but Mason, who birdied four of the last five holes.

Mason, who talked Saturday about attacking the par-72 Oakridge course Sunday, became conservative. He also had problems finding the fairways.

"Flirting with disaster," he said.

Mason blasted out of green-side bunkers on holes two, 13 and 15 to save par. On numbers five and nine, he sank 10-foot par putts. The 18th hole summed up Mason's entire round.

His 125-yard wedge shot came within inches of settling into a bunker. Instead, it hopped up on the fringe. From there, Mason two-putted for the title.

"This is my biggest win, by far," Mason said. "It's not even a question. It means everything."

martyr@sltrib.com —

Utah Open top 10 finishers

1 • Nick Mason, Denver, 66-67-71-204 ($20,000)

2 • Nathan Lashley, Scottsdale, Ariz., 68-73-64-205 ($14,000)

3 • Jarett Hamamoto, Chandler, Ariz., 68-73-64-206 ($9,000)

4 • Chris Moody, Provo, 68-73-66-207 ($5,000)

5 • Adrian Wadey, Scottsdale, 70-74-64-208 ($4,000)

T6 • Dean Vomacka, Phoenix, 71-72-66-209 ($2,666)

T6 • Dustin Pimm, Sandy, 68-74-67-209 ($2,666)

T6 • Tim McKenny, Scottsdale, 69-70-70-209 ($2,666)

T9 • Vincent Johnson, Portland, Ore., 68-72-70-210 ($2,100)

T9 • Richard Lee, Bellevue, Wash., 70-69-71-210 ($2,100) —

Highlights

R Nick Mason survives a charge by the defending champion to win the Utah Open by a shot.

• Sandy's Cameron Crawford wins the low amateur trophy with a 5-under par total.

• More than $110,000 in prize money is awarded.