Richard Green captured his first PGA Tour Champions title Sunday at the Rogers Charity Classic, closing with a 5-under 65 to finish at 18-under 192 at Canyon Meadows in Calgary.
The 54-year-old Australian sealed the victory with a clutch birdie on the par-5 18th hole, holding off Ricardo Gonzalez by a single stroke. The win comes in Green’s 91st start on the 50-and-over circuit.
Gonzalez made a late charge with birdies on his final two holes for a matching 65, but it wasn’t enough to catch Green, who built his winning total after opening rounds of 65 and 62.
Charles Schwab Cup leader Miguel Angel Jimenez finished third at 16 under after a final-round 68. The 60-year-old Spaniard, who led after consecutive 63s to open the tournament, couldn’t maintain that torrid pace on Sunday. Jimenez remains the tour’s hottest player with four victories this season.
Charlie Wi claimed fourth place at 14 under following his second straight 64.
Green’s breakthrough victory comes after nearly four years on the Champions Tour. What makes this win particularly satisfying is how he closed the deal under pressure, converting the crucial birdie on 18 when it mattered most.
