AKRON, Ohio — Jerry KellyBridgestone Senior Players Championship won for the second year in a row Sunday. Steve StrickerTwo strokes.
Kelly closed the round with a 2-under 65, taking the lead with a 15-foot birdie from the fringe on 16th par-5 and a 10-footer 17th par-4. He finished at 11-under 269 on Firestone’s South Course.
Kelly stated that Kelly thought the first major was great, but that the second one was even better. Im really excited about going back to Sawgrass next month. This was a huge part of my desire to win this tournament. Its one of the great things about our majors is that we can go to the highest point of golf. Thats something Im very excited about.
Kelly, 55, won the award with Carol watching. After a mass of cancerous cells was discovered, Kelly had to have surgery to remove her right renal.
Kelly stated, Its just the fact that she is here this week. Kelly stated that while it might not be the usual restaurant-laden hotel, or the hotel that is our favorite, the golf course is so special that she wants to be there.
Kelly was also a winner at Firestone in 2018 and finished second in 2018. The Madison, Wisconsin-based player has 10 PGA Tour Champions victories. Kelly also won the Principal Charity Classic last Month in Iowa.
Stricker stated, He made the putts when it was his turn to come down, and vice versa. I didnt. Thats what makes the difference.
Kelly, 55-years-old, was matched by Stricker from Madison with a closing of 68.
Stricker said, Not really what was in my mind, really. I was looking for a way to get out on top of it all.
Sticker missed a chance to win his second major victory in the season after he took the Regions Tradition in Alabama.
Stricker said that Kelly played well and made the putts when needed. He made a nice birdie putt at 13 and then I basically showed him 16 and he made another great shot at 17.
Steve Alker bogeyed par-4 18th to tie for third Ernie ElsAt 8 under. Alker shot a score of 69, making him a three-time champion this season. He is also the Charles Schwab Cup points leader.
Alker said, I just wasnt having it today. I just made too much bogeys over this weekend. That was the difference.
Els finished with a 68.
Stephen Ames(65) was 6 below with Ken Duke (66), Woody Austin(68) Alex Cejka (73).