PHOENIX — Bernhard Langer shot his age as soon as once more to place himself in place to increase his PGA Tour Champions successful streak to 18 years.
The 67-year-old German star with a Champions-record 46 profession victories, had a 4-under 67 on Saturday at Phoenix Nation Membership to take a one-stroke lead within the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship. He has shot his age or higher 22 occasions on the tour.
“I’ve received to proceed to play aggressive and hit as many fairways as I presumably can and as many greens,” Langer mentioned. “The important thing for me is making putts. I’ve received to try to hit 15, 16, 17 greens in regulation if I can and make a bunch of putts.”
He has fought again after tearing his left Achilles enjoying pickelball in February.
“It might imply an awesome deal due to what I’ve been by means of this yr,” Langer mentioned. “And in addition, I didn’t win this yr. It’s the primary time in my Champions Tour profession that I didn’t win in a season. So yeah, there can be slightly additional effort tomorrow.”
Defending champion Steven Alker, second behind Ernie Els within the season standings, was second after a 63 — poised to cross Els for the $1 million bonus. Els was tied for 14th after a 71.
“The entire objective was to defend the championship this week and, if I try this, then the Schwab Cup’s a bonus,” Alker mentioned.
Alker had a run of 5 straight birdies, however closed with six straight pars.
Richard Inexperienced was third at 11 beneath after a 63. Alex Cejka had a 68 to get to 10 beneath, and Jerry Kelly was 9 beneath after a 66.
Stewart Cink, three strokes forward after every of the primary two rounds, shot a 75 to drop to eight beneath.
The highest 36 gamers on the factors record certified for the occasion, with Steve Stricker the lone qualifier not within the subject. He has by no means performed a postseason match on the PGA Tour Champions.
Langer is twenty second within the standings.
