RICHMOND, Va. – Bernhard Langer became the oldest winner in PGA TOUR Champions history at age 64 on Sunday, striking Doug Barron with a 6-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a playoff at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.
The German star put both arms in the air after winning the PGA TOUR Champions for the 42nd time and the first time since March 2020.
“It’s all about the putt,” said Langer. “It’s that tight out here.”
At 64 years, 1 month, 27 days, Langer broke the 63 year, 5 month, 4 day age record set by Scott Hoch when he teamed up with Tom Pernice Jr. to create the 2019 Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf to win.
Langer finished with a 3-under 69 and also birdie on the par-5 18th in regulation to hit Barron at 14-under 202 on the James River course at the Country Club of Virginia.
Barron also finished with a birdie in a 68. He missed a 6-foot birdie attempt in the playoff before Langer ran out winner to end a series of five playoff losses.
“It’s just an anomaly. He’s amazing, incredibly talented and one of my heroes and good friends, ”Barron said of Langer. “I am very fortunate to be able to call him a very dear friend. If I get hit, I don’t mind being hit by him. “
Langer, also winner of 2017 in Richmond, built on his lead in the season standings of the Charles Schwab Cup in the playoff opener.
Second-round leader Steve Flesch was third with 12 under after 73. Ernie Els (63), Ken Duke (68), Tim Petrovic (71) and Steven Alker (72) were 11 under.
Defending champion Phil Mickelson shot a 71 to finish 47th with par. He has three wins in five PGA TOUR Champions starts and won the Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS two weeks ago in Florida.