RICHMOND, Va. – Justin Leonard showed patience and precision in putting, earning him a crucial victory at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.
Leonard finished with an impressive birdie-par-eagle sequence, signing a card of 68 strokes, four under par. This performance secured him a one-stroke victory over Ernie Els.
This triumph marks Leonard’s second victory on the PGA Tour Champions this year, propelling him into the top 10 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings.
A total of 54 golfers advance to the second playoff event, which will be held next week in Arkansas.
Ernie Els, who seemed to be in control in the second half of the James River course at the Country Club of Virginia, made birdies on holes 15 and 16, both par 4.
However, a bogey on the 17th hole allowed Leonard to take the lead. Leonard, after a birdie on the 16th hole, connected 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 (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, sharing second place with Thomas Bjorn (68).
Bernhard Langer, the 68-year-old German golfer 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 three-putt bogey that frustrated his aspirations. He finished with 72 strokes and three off the lead, seeking his first victory of the year on the circuit.
Scott Parel, with a round of 71 strokes, tied for 21st place, climbing three positions to number 53 and securing his place in next week’s Simmons Bank Championship. David Bransdon was left out.
The top 36 golfers after next week’s tournament will advance to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which will end the season.
