Justin Leonard Wins at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic
In a Sunday round marked by wind, Justin Leonard demonstrated patience and precision in putting, which earned him the 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 victory on the PGA Tour Champions this year, propelling him to the top spots in the standings after the first playoff event for the Charles Schwab Cup. The competition was intense at the James River course of the Country Club of Virginia, where Els seemed to be in control in the second half of the round, with birdies on holes 15 and 16. However, a bogey on the 17th opened the door for Leonard. After a birdie on the 16th, Leonard connected a 4-iron hybrid that left the ball about 20 feet from the hole, achieving an eagle with a downhill putt. With this result, he was at 12 under par, with a total of 204 strokes. Els failed to sink a 10-foot putt on the final hole, which would have forced a playoff. He finished with 72 strokes and shared 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 a bogey that diminished his chances. He finished with 72 strokes, three strokes behind the victory, seeking his first win of the year.
Scott Parel, with a round of 71, tied for 21st place, moving up three spots and securing his place in next week’s Simmons Bank Championship. The top 36 players after next week’s event will advance to the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, which will mark the end of the season.
