ST. LOUIS Padraig HarringtonHe built a comfortable lead and even a few missteps at the end couldn’t stop him winning the Ascension Charity Classic on Saturday for his third title this season on the PGA Tour Champions.
Harrington shot a 1-shot victory with seven birdies in the closing round of 3-under-68. Y.E. Yang(66) at Norwood Hill Golf Club.
Steve StrickerHarrington started one shot behind Harrington. Harrington was caught by Stricker when he took double-bogey on the par-3 4th hole. Both made birdie on fifth, but Stricker was the last one to make. He finished third with 13 pars, which was a 69.
Bernhard LangerHad a 70 and placed fourth.
Harringtons third win on the PGA Tour Champions — and his first in his last three events — allowed him at least to close the gap. Steven AlkerNew Zealand in Charles Schwab Cup standings
Four tournaments remain before Charles Schwab Cup playoffs, and Alkers lead drops to $134 778. This means that Harrington will have a chance at taking the lead next week at Sanford International, South Dakota.
Alker was matched by Harrington Jerry KellyMiguel Angel Jimenez, with three wins on the 50 and older circuit.
Yang was never a major factor until the final hour, when he made three consecutive birdies. The last one was on the par-5 15, where a 60-foot attempt at eagle touched the cup. But he ran out holes and Harrington maintained control.
Harrington made mistakes on the 16th, and 18th holes which only affected his margin. He finished at 14-under, 199.