Miguel Angel Jimenez clinched his fourth PGA Tour Champions victory of the season on Sunday, winning the Kaulig Companies Championship. He staged a remarkable comeback to force a playoff, ultimately defeating Steven Alker with a 20-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole.
Playoff Drama and Victory
Trailing by two strokes after his playing partner Alker birdied the 16th, Jimenez responded with back-to-back birdies on the final two holes: a 10-foot putt on the par-4 17th and an 18-footer on the par-4 18th. Both Jimenez, 61, and Alker, 53, had shot 2-under 68 in the final round at Firestone South, finishing the major championship tied at 10-under 270.
On the first playoff hole (the 18th), both players made par, with Jimenez just missing an 18-foot birdie chance and Alker sinking a crucial 3 1/2-footer to extend the playoff. On the second extra hole, Alker missed a 20-foot birdie attempt after recovering from the trees, setting the stage for Jimenez’s winning putt.
A Season of Success and Major Titles
This victory marks Jimenez’s third major title, adding to his wins at the Regions Tradition and the Senior British Open in 2018. The Spanish star now boasts 17 career victories on the 50-and-over tour. His win also secures him a spot in next year’s Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
Earlier this season, Jimenez defeated Alker by two strokes at the Trophy Hassan II in Morocco in February. He then went on to win the Hoag Classic in March and the Principal Charity Classic in a playoff just three weeks ago.
Other Top Finishers and Upcoming Tournament
Stewart Cink finished third at 8-under after a round of 66, while Steve Flesch was a stroke further back after a 65.
Looking ahead, the U.S. Senior Open is scheduled to begin on Thursday at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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