Bernhard Langer secured his 18th consecutive victory on the PGA Tour Champions with a thrilling finish at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship on Sunday at Phoenix Country Club. The 67-year-old German legend sank a dramatic 30-foot birdie putt on the final hole to edge out Steven Alker by one stroke, claiming his 47th career tour win.
Langer closed with a 5-under 66, marking his third straight round shooting his age or better, a feat he’s now accomplished 23 times on the Champions Tour. His victory was especially sweet, as it came just over eight months after he suffered a torn left Achilles tendon while playing pickleball.
“It’s unbelievable, I can’t describe it,” Langer said after the win. “To win this big tournament after what I’ve been through, and to make it 18 years in a row out here.”
Langer had a five-stroke lead over Alker heading into the back nine, following a stellar front-nine 30. However, things tightened up after a two-stroke swing on the 17th, when Alker made a birdie and Langer bogeyed. With the two tied at the 18th hole, Langer, who had driven into the trees, managed to reach the green in three and nailed the long birdie putt. Alker, in contrast, chipped poorly on his second shot and missed a 12-footer that would have forced a playoff.
“I played good and then got a little unraveled on the back nine,” Langer admitted. “Steven Alker got going, and Richard Green must have played fantastic, too.”
Alker, the defending champion and 2023 season points leader, finished with a 66, while Green made a late charge with back-to-back birdies on the final holes for a 65.
Ernie Els, who began the week leading the points race, finished tied for 13th at 7 under after a 67, leaving him second in the standings. The top 36 players in the points list qualified for the event, but Steve Stricker was the only player who did not participate.
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