Ernie Els of South Africa emerged victorious at the Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines, Iowa, shooting a remarkable 7-under 65 in the final round to secure a two-stroke victory. The 54-year-old golfer finished at 21-under 195 at the Wakonda Club, clinching his first Champions Tour win of the season in his fourth appearance at the event.
Els demonstrated his prowess on the course with a pair of birdies on the front nine, followed by an impressive surge on the back, where he added three more birdies and a crucial eagle on the par-5 13th hole. Reflecting on his triumph, Els expressed the significance of the win, acknowledging the challenges of securing victory amidst stiff competition.
Despite facing strong competition from defending champion Stephen Ames of Canada and others, Els maintained his composure, highlighting the pivotal moment of his eagle on the 13th hole as a turning point in securing his lead. Ames, who finished with a commendable 66 on Sunday, couldn't close the gap despite his efforts and concluded the tournament at 19-under 197.
Els, who earned $300,000 for his victory, now boasts three top-10 finishes this season. Other notable performances included Rod Pampling of Australia, David Duval, and Bernhard Langer of Germany, who finished in a three-way tie for third place at 17-under par, showcasing the competitive spirit and talent on display throughout the tournament.
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