Justin Leonard Wins at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic
In a day marked by wind, Justin Leonard demonstrated patience and precision in his putting, which earned him a victory at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. With a spectacular finish of birdie-par-eagle, Leonard signed a card of 68 strokes, four under par, securing the triumph by one stroke difference.
This is Leonard’s second victory on the PGA Tour Champions this year, allowing him to move up in the rankings and position himself among the top ten after the first playoff event for the Charles Schwab Cup.
The tournament was held at the demanding James River course of the Country Club of Virginia, where Leonard demonstrated his composure in key moments. After a birdie on the 16th hole, he connected with an impressive shot with a 4-iron hybrid that left the ball about 20 feet from the hole. Then, he holed a downhill putt for eagle, reaching a total of 12 under par (204 strokes).
Ernie Els, who seemed to be in control in the second half of the round, failed to make a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole, which would have forced a playoff. Els finished with a round of 72 strokes, sharing second place with Thomas Bjorn, who also turned in a card of 68.
Bernhard Langer, at 68 years old, and who has won at least one tournament every year on the PGA Tour Champions since turning 50, stayed near the top until a bogey after a long three-putt truncated his aspirations. He finished with a round of 72 strokes, finishing three strokes behind the leader.
Scott Parel, with a round of 71 strokes, managed to tie for 21st place, moving up three positions in the ranking and securing his place in next week’s Simmons Bank Championship.
The top 54 players advance to the second postseason event, and the top 36 after next week will qualify for the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, the final event of the season.
