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 over Ernie Els.
This is Leonard’s second triumph on the PGA Tour Champions so far this year, allowing him to move up in the rankings and place among the top ten after the first playoff event for the Charles Schwab Cup.
A total of 54 golfers advance to the next phase of the postseason, which will be held next week in Arkansas.
Ernie Els seemed to be in control of the game in the second half of the course at the Country Club of Virginia, with birdies on holes 15 and 16. However, a bogey on the 17th and Leonard’s reaction diminished his chances.
Leonard, after a birdie on the 16th hole, connected with an impressive shot with a 4-iron hybrid that left the ball about 20 feet and holed the putt for eagle, finishing with a total of 12 under par and 204 strokes.
Els failed to convert 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, and who has won at least one tournament every year on the PGA Tour Champions since turning 50, was two strokes off the lead before a bogey. He finished with 72 strokes, three behind the leader, in his attempt to get his first victory of the year.
Scott Parel, with a round of 71, tied for 21st place, climbing 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 players after next week’s event will qualify for the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which will close the season.
