KA’UPULEHU-KONA, Hawaii — Ernie Els clinched victory at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship, marking his seventh triumph on the PGA Tour Champions circuit with an impressive final round of 6-under 66. This win puts him two strokes ahead of competitors, including Bernard Langer, Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Alex Cejka.

Langer, now 67, was unable to secure a win for the 19th consecutive season on the 50-and-over tour. The renowned German golfer previously captured the Charles Schwab Cup Championship last year, further extending his record to 47 senior titles. Els concluded the tournament with an overall score of 18-under 198 at the picturesque Hualalai Golf Course.

Playing in the final group with Cejka, Langer parred the last four holes to finish with a round of 66, while Jimenez shot a 64 and Cejka turned in a score of 68. Notably, both Langer and Jimenez have each lifted the championship trophy three times in the past.

“I’ve been trying to get my hands on that trophy for five years now,” remarked Els. “I came close the very first time, and it’s a relief to finally get it. What a battle it was. I can’t think of a more beautiful place to play golf and have essentially a week’s holiday mixed with a tournament. It was a wonderful week.”

The turning point came when Els and Langer broke free from a six-way tie for the lead by both landing birdies on the par-5 14th hole. Els then gained the lead over Langer after sinking a 15-foot birdie on the par-4 15th. He managed to maintain his focus, saving par on the par-4 16th with a crucial 10-footer. Although he left a 25-foot birdie effort just short on the par-3 17th, Els sealed his victory with a 10-foot putt on the par-4 18th after Langer’s long birdie attempt missed the mark.

Els achieved three wins last season, showcasing his talent as a four-time major champion, having previously won both the U.S. Open and the British Open on two occasions each. “It was tight all day, all week really. Getting it done under pressure was key,” Els commented. “Even on days when self-belief wavers, sinking those clutch putts like in the old days rekindles hope.”

Defending champion Steven Alker and Jerry Kelly both shot 65, finishing in a tie for fifth place at 15 under par. Meanwhile, Steve Stricker concluded his first official PGA Tour Champions event since September with a score of 10 under, tied for 19th position after a round of 69.