RICHMOND, Va. – Justin Leonard demonstrated patience and precision in his putting on a windy Sunday, earning him big rewards with a spectacular birdie-par-eagle finish, culminating in a round of 68 strokes, four under par. This performance secured him a one-stroke victory over Ernie Els at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.
This is Leonard’s second victory on the PGA Tour Champions this year, which propels him to position himself among the top ten at the start of the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs.
The 54 best players advance to the second postseason event, which will be held next week in Arkansas.
Ernie Els, who seemed to be in control in the second half of the course at the James River Country Club in Virginia, consolidated his position with birdies on the 15th hole, an accessible par 4, and on the 16th hole, a par 5.
However, a bogey on the 17th hole allowed Leonard to take the lead. After a birdie on the 16th hole, Leonard hit a 4-iron hybrid that left the ball about 20 feet away and holed a downhill eagle putt, setting a total of 12 under par, with 204 strokes.
Els failed to sink a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole, which would have forced a playoff. He finished with 72 strokes and shared second place with Thomas Bjorn, who also turned in a card of 68.
Bernhard Langer, the 68-year-old German golfer who has won every year on the PGA Tour Champions since turning 50, was two strokes off the lead until a long three-putt frustrated his aspirations. He finished the day with 72 strokes, remaining three off the top in his attempt to get his first Champions victory this year.
Scott Parel, with a round of 71 strokes, tied for 21st place, moving up three positions to number 53, which secures him a place in next week’s Simmons Bank Championship. David Bransdon, for his part, was left out.
The top 36 after next week will advance to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which will end the season.
