Ernie Els claimed a remarkable victory at the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship, securing his seventh PGA Tour Champions title with an impressive performance. The 55-year-old South African golfer delivered a final round of 6-under 66 at Hualalai Golf Course, finishing at 18-under 198. This triumph saw him outpace competitors Bernhard Langer, Miguel Angel Jiménez, and Alex Cejka by two strokes.
A four-time major champion, Els has previously won the U.S. Open and British Open twice each. His latest win further solidifies his status as a formidable force in the golfing world. During the tournament, Els and Langer broke free from a six-way tie for the lead on the par-5 14th hole, both delivering matching birdies. However, it was Els who surged ahead with a crucial 15-foot birdie putt on the par-4 15th hole, distancing himself from Langer.
Bernhard Langer, who parred the final four holes to finish with a 66, missed the opportunity to extend his record of winning for the 19th consecutive season on the 50-and-over tour. The seasoned golfer, known for his consistency and skill, had previously won the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship last year, marking his record-extending 47th senior title.
Miguel Angel Jiménez closed with an impressive 64, while Alex Cejka concluded his round with a 68. Both Jiménez and Langer have previously won the Mitsubishi Electric Championship three times each, underscoring their expertise in navigating the challenging course.
Steve Stricker, competing in his first official PGA Tour Champions event since September, tied for 19th place at 10 under after carding a 69 in the final round. His return to competitive play adds another layer of excitement to the tour as seasoned golfers continue to showcase their prowess.
Leave a Reply