Bernhard Langer extends PGA Tour Champions’ record with season-ending victory
Bernhard Langer won the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship with a score below his age and extended his streak of annual PGA Tour Champions wins to 18 years.
The 67-year-old made a 30-foot birdie putt on the final hole to shoot a 5-under 66 and beat defending champion Steven Alke by one shot at 18-under. and Richard Green.
It was Langer’s 47th win on the over-50 circuit and first since tearing his Achilles tendon in early 2024.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Langer, who also played rounds 69, 64 and 67 at Phoenix Country Club in Arizona.
“After what I’ve been through, to be able to win this important tournament and compete here for 18 years in a row is awesome. I’m very grateful and very lucky.”
Two-time Masters champion Langer led by five strokes entering the back nine, but his lead began to shrink after back-to-back bogeys on the 10th and 11th holes.
Another bogey on the 17th hole, coupled with Alke’s birdie, caused the two to slide all the way on the 18th hole.
Langer hit his tee shot into the woods on the par-5 final but made a superb birdie to break his age for the 22nd time and secure victory, while Alke could only manage par.
Alke, 53, tied for second, good enough to pass Ernie Els for the season-long Charles Schwab Cup standings.
“It would be nice to win it all, but I’ve already won the Schwab Cup and that’s important to me,” Alke said.
