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 victory by one stroke over Ernie Els.
This is Leonard’s second victory on the PGA Tour Champions this year, propelling him into the top 10 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, following the first playoff event.
The tournament, held at the James River Course of the Country Club of Virginia, saw Els take the lead in the second half of the course, with birdies on holes 15 and 16. However, a bogey on the 17th, combined with Leonard’s performance, changed the course of the game.
Leonard, after a birdie on the 16th, connected with a 4-iron hybrid that left the ball about 20 feet from the hole, and holed an eagle putt downhill, setting a total of 12 under par, with 204 strokes.
Els missed a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole, which would have allowed him to force 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 with annual victories on the PGA Tour Champions since turning 50, stayed near the top until a bogey after a long three-stroke putt, which diminished his chances. He finished with 72 strokes, three behind the leader, seeking his first victory of the year on the circuit.
Scott Parel, with a round of 71, tied for 21st place and moved up three positions, ranking 53rd, which secures him a place in next week’s Simmons Bank Championship. David Bransdon was out of the classification.
The top 36 players after next week’s tournament will advance to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which closes the season.
