DES MOINES, Iowa – Ernie Els won the Principal Charity Classic on Sunday for his fourth career PGA Tour Champions win. He closed with a 7-under 65 at Wakonda Club, beating defending champion Stephen Ames by two strokes.
Els was tied with Rod Pampling for the second-round lead, reaching the par-5 15th and having five birdies in his bogey-free final round. The 54-year-old Hall of Famer from South Africa finished at 21-under 195 for his first victory since March 2023.
“It is very special,” says Els. “You know, I haven’t won in a while. I’ve had quite a few chances, but it becomes more difficult if you don’t get it over the line. So today it was very, very competitive. A lot of players, a lot of great players. I just took my opportunity when it presented itself.”
Ames shot 66. He leads the tour with two wins this season.
Bernard Langer finished in third place at 17 under after a 68. The 66-year-old German star makes his fourth start since returning from an Achilles injury and is the tour’s victory leader with 46.
Pampling (69) and David Duval (67) were also 17 under.
