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.
Leonard finished with an impressive 68 strokes, four under par, securing the triumph with a one-stroke lead over Ernie Els.
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.
Leonard’s performance included a spectacular finish with birdie, par, and eagle, demonstrating his ability to remain calm under pressure.
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, failed to maintain his lead. Despite birdies on holes 15 and 16, a bogey on the 17th opened the door for Leonard.
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 then holed the eagle putt to place himself at 12 under par and secure the victory.
Els failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole, which would have forced a playoff. Els finished with 72 strokes, tying for 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 an unfortunate three-putt bogey that hampered his aspirations. He finished with 72 strokes, three behind the leader.
Scott Parel, with a round of 71, tied for 21st place and moved up three positions, securing his place in next week’s Simmons Bank Championship.
The top 54 players advance to the second postseason event in Arkansas, and the top 36 after next week will compete in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, the final event of the season.
