RICHMOND, Va. – Justin Leonard showed patience and precision in putting, earning him a crucial victory at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.
Leonard finished with an impressive streak of birdie, par, and eagle, sealing a round of 68 strokes, four under par. This performance secured him a one-stroke victory over Ernie Els.
This triumph marks Leonard’s second victory on the PGA Tour Champions this year, propelling him into the top 10 in the standings after the first playoff event for the Charles Schwab Cup.
The tournament was key, as the first 54 players advance to the next postseason event, which will be held next week in Arkansas.
Els, who seemed to be in control in the second half of the course at the Country Club of Virginia, made birdies on holes 15 and 16. However, a bogey on 17 opened the door for Leonard.
After a birdie on the 16th, Leonard shone with a 4-iron hybrid and a 20-foot eagle putt, setting a total of 12 under par, with 204 strokes.
Els couldn’t make a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole, which would have forced a playoff. He finished with 72 strokes, sharing second place with Thomas Bjorn, who also turned in a card of 68.
Bernhard Langer, at 68 years old, stayed two strokes off the top until a long three-putt bogey frustrated his aspirations. With a round of 72, he finished three strokes behind the leader, seeking his first victory in the Champions this year.
Scott Parel, with a round of 71, tied for 21st place, moving up three positions to number 53, which secures him a place in next week’s Simmons Bank Championship, while David Bransdon was left out.
The top 36 players after next week will advance to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which closes the season.
