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KA’UPULEHU-KONA, Hawaii — Ernie Els won the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship with his seventh PGA Tour Champions win on Saturday, closing with a 6-under 66 to beat Bernard Langer, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Alex Cejka by two strokes.
The 67-year-old Langer missed out on a chance to win a 19th consecutive season on the 50-and-over tour. The German star won the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup last year for his record 47th senior title.
Els finished at 18-under 198 at Hualalai Golf Course. Playing alongside Elsa and Cejka in the final group, Langer parred the final four holes in a 66. Jimenez closed with a 64 and Cejka shot a 68. Langer and Jimenez each won three times.
“I’ve been trying to get my hands on that trophy for five years,” Els said. I came close the first time and finally got through the line. But what a battle it was. I can’t imagine a nicer place to play golf and basically have a week’s vacation with a golf tournament. A wonderful week.”
Els and Langer broke out of a six-way tie for the lead with matching birdies on the par-5 14th, and Els moved in front of Langer with a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-4 15th.
Els saved par on the par-4 16th from 10 feet, then left a 25-foot birdie attempt inches short on the par-3 17th. On the par-4 18th, after Langer’s long birdie attempt went wide, Els made 10 feet for a two-shot margin.
Els won three times last season. The 55-year-old South African is a four-time major champion, winning the US Open and The Open twice each.
“Doing it under the gun, very close racing all day, all week really,” Els said. “I had to make some clutch shots. Even if you don’t believe in yourself as much, days like this when you make those shots like you used to, it gives you hope again.”
Defending champion Steven Alker and Jerry Kelly each shot 65 to tie for fifth at 15 under.
Steve Stricker tied for 19th at 10 under after a 69 in his first official PGA Tour Champions event since September.