NAPLES, Fla. — Bernhard Langerremained in position for tie Hale Irwin45-year-old PGA Tour Champions champion, shot a 2-under 70 on Saturday for a 1-stroke lead in the final round of The Chubb Classic.
Langer, 65, was the winner last year. He had a total of 10-under 134 on Tiburon Golf Club’s Black Course. Fridays 64 was a better score.
Charles Schwab Cup winner Steven Alker(65) was a stroke back Jerry Kelly (66), Dicky Pride(70) Paul Goydos (71).
At 8 under, we were 2 shots behind Fred CouplesHe shot 69 with bogeys on two par 5s. Steve Stricker(69), who is aiming for a record fourth consecutive victory in the PGA Tour Champions.
Langer, who won the TimberTech Championship last year after his 65th Birthday, is already the oldest winner in PGA Tour Champions history.
Langer had to work hard Saturday as the wind blew steadily above 15 mph. In total, 10 players will start the final round within three shots of the German star.
Langer stated that to win with this leaderboard you must play a near flawless round. You have to score a low score, one among the lowest scores tomorrow. Thats my goal.
He was at par par after a bogey at the par-4 eleventh hole, but he remained ahead with birdies at the par-5 12th & 15th.
Langer stated, It was difficult. The wind gusted anywhere between 10 and 25 mph, so it was difficult to grab a club at the right time. Also, pin positions were sometimes challenging.
Langer has won four times the Chubb, on multiple courses. A fifth victory at Chubb would make Langer the PGA Tour Champions player with the most victories at a single event. Langer will try and break the record for Irwin who won the Turtle Bay Championship in Hawaii six times.
Langer stated that Irwins record was an accomplishment and special when it is done differently. I was stunned to see Hale Irwins 45 wins when I arrived here. Thats incredible! Thats amazing!