Ernie Els claimed his seventh PGA Tour Champions victory at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship, edging out Bernard Langer, Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Alex Cejka by two strokes at Hualalai Golf Course in Hawaii. Els fired a final-round 66 to finish at 18-under 198.
The win carries special significance for Els, who’s been hunting this particular trophy since joining the Champions Tour. “I’ve been trying to get my hands on that trophy for five years now,” the 55-year-old South African said. “Finally got it through the line.”
The tournament came down to a battle of legends. Els and Bernhard Langer, playing in the final group with Cejka, broke free from a six-way tie with matching birdies on the par-5 14th. Els then seized control with a clutch 15-foot birdie putt on 15.
What followed was a masterclass in pressure golf. Els saved par with a 10-footer on 16, nearly birdied 17, and sealed the win with another 10-foot putt on 18 after Langer’s birdie attempt slid past.
For the 67-year-old Langer, it was a near-miss at making history. The German legend was looking to win for the 19th straight season on the 50-and-over tour, adding to his record 47 senior titles. He’ll have to wait for another shot after closing with a solid 66.
Jimenez made a strong push with a final-round 64, while Cejka posted a 68. Both Langer and Jimenez know this course well – they’ve each won this event three times.
“Getting it done under the gun, very tight race all day, all week really,” Els reflected. “I had to make some clutch putts. Even if you dont believe in yourself as much, days like this when you make those putts like you used to, it gives you hope again.”
Defending champion Steven Alker and Jerry Kelly shared fifth place at 15 under after matching 65s. Steve Stricker, making his first Champions Tour start since September, finished tied for 19th at 10 under after a closing 69.
