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In a stunning display of skill and determination, Ernie Els clinched his seventh PGA Tour Champions victory at the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hawaii on Saturday.
The South African golf legend and World Golf Hall of Fame member, closed with an impressive 6-under 66 to finish at 18-under 198, edging out a competitive field that included Bernard Langer, Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Alex Cejka by two strokes.
The victory was particularly poignant for Els, as the 55-year-old had been vying for this title for the past five years.
Reflecting on his long-awaited triumph, he stated, “I’ve been trying to get my hands on that trophy for five years now. Came close my very first time and finally got it through the line. But what a battle it was,” he said via the PGA Tour website. Chasing victory in the picturesque setting of Hualalai Golf Course, Els conveyed a sense of gratitude, saying, “I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to play golf in and have basically a week’s holiday with a golf tournament. Wonderful week.”
Bernard Langer, a golfing icon in his own right and seeking to extend his streak of wins to 19 consecutive seasons, faced disappointment as he parred the final four holes to finish with a 66. Despite coming close, the German star could not secure his 47th senior title, a record he set by winning the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship last year.
As Els and Langer took to the back nine, they broke free from a six-way tie for the lead with matching birdies on the par-5 14th hole. The most pivotal moment came on the par-4 15th, where Els sank a critical 15-foot birdie putt to leapfrog ahead of Langer.
While Els remained composed, saving par on the par-4 16th with a crucial 10-footer, Langer’s bid for birdie on the 18th slid past the hole, allowing Els to secure victory with a final 10-footer. Els’ performance throughout the tournament highlighted his resilience and tenacity.
“Getting it done under the gun, very tight race all day, all week really,” he remarked. “I had to make some clutch putts. Even if you don’t believe in yourself as much, days like this when you make those putts like you used to, it gives you hope again.”
In the background of Els’ victory, defending champion Steven Alker and Jerry Kelly put on a strong showing, both finishing at 15-under par after carding 65s to tie for fifth place.
“Getting it done under the gun, very tight race all day, all week really,” Els said. “I had to make some clutch putts. Even if you don’t believe in yourself as much, days like this when you make those putts like you used to, it gives you hope again.”
Meanwhile, Steve Stricker, competing in his first official PGA Tour Champions event since September, finished with a 69, placing him tied for 19th at 10-under par.