RICHMOND, Va. – Justin Leonard demonstrated patience and precision in his putting, earning him a crucial victory at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. With a spectacular birdie-par-eagle finish, Leonard signed a scorecard of 68 strokes, four under par, securing the victory by one stroke over Ernie Els.
This is Leonard’s second victory on the PGA Tour Champions this year, which propels him into the top 10 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, following the first playoff event.
A total of 54 golfers advance to the second postseason event, which will be held next week in Arkansas.
Ernie Els, who seemed to be in control in the second half of the course at the Country Club of Virginia, made birdies on holes 15 and 16. However, a bogey on the 17th opened the door for Leonard.
Leonard, after a birdie on the 16th, connected with a 4-iron hybrid that left the ball about 20 feet away and holed an eagle putt downhill, reaching 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, at 68 years old, and who has won at least one tournament on the PGA Tour Champions every year since turning 50, was two strokes off the lead before a three-putt bogey that frustrated his aspirations. He finished with 72 strokes, three behind the leader, in his attempt to achieve his first victory of the year.
Scott Parel finished with 71 strokes and tied for 21st place, moving up three positions to number 53 and securing his place in next week’s Simmons Bank Championship. David Bransdon was left out.
The top 36 players after next week will advance to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which will conclude the season.
