St Louis, Missouri, United States: Asian history-maker YE Yang claimed his maiden PGA Tour Champions title, defeating Bernhard Langer in a play-off at the Ascension Charity Classic.
Korean Yang shot a final round of five-under 66 at Norwood Hills Country Club's West Course for a 13-under aggregate. Germany’s Langer matched that with a closing 64 to force sudden-death, but it was Yang who prevailed with a birdie at the first extra hole.
“Today is a special, special day. I’m very happy. A little stress, but it was a little fun, too. I was nervous. Bernhard is still so strong,” said 52-year-old Yang, a two-time PGA Tour winner who earned US$315,000 for his triumph.
He becomes only the second Korean player after KJ Choi to win on the PGA Tour Champions, a circuit for players aged 50 and above.
Yang will forever be remembered as Asia’s first male Major champion. He won the 2009 US PGA Championship, defeating Tiger Woods in a head-to-head duel.
In what was his 72nd start on the PGA Tour Champions, Yang arrived at Norwood Hills in confident mood as the venue has been a happy hunting ground. In the past two years, he also shot 13-under 200, finishing runner-up in 2022 and tied third last year.
Yang, who moved up to sixth position on the Charles Schwab Cup standings, said: “It’s been three years since I joined PGA Tour Champions. Today is the best day so far. St Louis always brings back good memories, and I think that was the momentum for this win. This course somehow looks similar to Korean golf courses. It’s a hilly layout. It feels like being at home.
“I did get nervous playing with a legend. I tried to focus on my game until the end. I was very calm and trusted my golf. After he missed (his birdie chance in play-off), I had a straight putt. I was thinking only about the speed and made it.”
