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 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 title 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 of the Charles Schwab Cup. A total of 54 golfers advance to the second postseason event, which will be held next week in Arkansas. Ernie Els seemed to be in control of the game on the back nine at the James River of the Country Club of Virginia, consolidating his position with birdies on the 15th hole, a par 4, and on the par 5 of the 16th hole. However, a bogey on the 17th hole allowed Leonard to take the lead. Leonard, after a birdie on the 16th, connected a 4-iron hybrid that left the ball about 20 feet away and holed the putt for eagle, finishing with a total of 204 strokes, twelve under par. Els failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole, which would have forced a playoff. Els finished with 72 strokes, sharing second place with Thomas Bjorn, who also turned in a card of 68.Bernhard Langer, the 68-year-old German golfer, who has achieved victories on the PGA Tour Champions every year since he turned 50, stayed two strokes behind the lead until a bogey after a long three-putt frustrated his aspirations. He finished with 72 strokes and three strokes away in his attempt to get his first victory of the year on the Champions.
Scott Parel, with a round of 71 strokes, tied for 21st place, climbing three positions to number 53 and securing his spot in next week’s Simmons Bank Championship. David Bransdon, for his part, failed to qualify. The top 36 players after next week will advance to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which will conclude the season.
