CARY, N.C. — Fred CouplesHe broke his age by three strokes with his lowest round of PGA Tour Champions, a 12-under-60 that saw him to a six shot victory Sunday in SAS Championship, his first title in over five years.
Couples was two strokes behind after four holes when the 63 years old went on a run that surprised even him. He made seven consecutive birdies and ran off five more birdies.
An unreal day, Couples said.
Couples won the American Family Insurance Championship 2017 for the first time. This was a win he had never seen coming. He opened the tournament by making a double bogey. Griffin Flesch, the son Steve FleschAs his caddie.
Couples believed that a par was the key to his day despite all the birdies.
He was two shots ahead Jerry KellyHe holed an 18-foot putt. Kelly made it one by making a birdie at the par-3 11th. Couples then took off. Kelly put his second shot at the par-5 12th into the water, while Couples teed off for birdie.
Couples made a birdie of 8 feet on the next hole and an 18-footer at the 14th. He then saw his shot from rough narrowly clear a bunker and make a big jump onto the green to 5 foot. Even on the last hole, when his approach was 7 feet out, it didnt stop.
Couples finished at 20 under 196 for his 14th career win at the PGA Tour Champions. He won $315,000.
Couple stated, My game can change. Im done for 2011, but Im certain… my game in the Champions Tour has trended and I like where its headed. Next year is my chance. Everyone believes they can win. Today was my day.
Steven AlkerTo finish second in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, Kelly closed with a 64. Kelly needed an 18 foot birdie putt for second place, and he three-putted to get bogey as well as a 67 to take third.
The postseason is open only to the top 72 players. Couples stated that he wont be playing again for the rest of the season. Steve StrickerThe Florida winner, Corey, has no plans to play, except for the Arizona season finale.