Justin Leonard Wins at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic
In a Sunday marked by wind, Justin Leonard demonstrated patience and precision in putting, which earned him a victory at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. With a spectacular finish, Leonard achieved a birdie, par, and eagle, finishing with a score of 4 under par (68) and surpassing Ernie Els by one stroke.
This triumph represents Leonard’s second victory on the PGA Tour Champions this year, and it propels him into the top 10 in the standings after the first playoff event of the Charles Schwab Cup.
Leonard’s performance was key in the final stretch of the tournament, especially on holes 16, 17, and 18. After a birdie on the 16th hole, Leonard connected a 4-iron hybrid that left the ball about 20 feet from the hole, and holed a downhill putt for eagle, setting a total of 12 under par (204).
Ernie Els, who seemed to be in control in the second half of the course at the James River of the Country Club of Virginia, couldn’t make a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole, which would have secured him a playoff. Els finished with a round of 72, sharing second place with Thomas Bjorn (68).
The tournament was crucial for the players’ rankings, as the top 54 advance to the second postseason event, which will be held next week in Arkansas.
Bernhard Langer, at 68 years old, and who has achieved annual victories on the PGA Tour Champions since turning 50, was only two strokes off the lead before a bogey. He finished with a round of 72, finishing three strokes behind the winner and without achieving his first victory of the year on the circuit.
Scott Parel, with a round of 71, tied for 21st place and moved up three positions, securing 53rd place and his qualification for next week’s Simmons Bank Championship. David Bransdon, on the other hand, failed to qualify.
The 36 best players after next week’s event will advance to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which will mark the end of the season.
