NAPLES, Florida – Darren Clark had an unbelievable start in the 38th edition of the Champions Tour Chubb Classic firing 8 birdies through 15 holes and sniffing the course record, but stumbled badly in the final three holes making bogey, double-bogey, par, to finish Round One with a 5-under 67 and T-4.
Meanwhile, Paul Stankowski posted nines of 32-33-65 and Mario Tiziani also blistered the par 72 Tiburon Golf Course with a sizzling 7-under to share the lead in the 78-player field after Round One in the 54-hole contest, which offers a purse of $1.8 million and $270,000 to the winner.
“Came in here a little rusty,” said Stankowski who played in 24 events in 2024 with only 3 top 10s. “It was nice to see a few putts go in and things started feeling pretty good from there. Today was great.”
Mario Tiziani finds himself in a place he has never been before T-1. The 54 year old Minnesota native is noted more for being the brother-in-law of Steve Stricker. He’s played in 60 Champions Tour tournaments finishing in the top 3 only four times.
“I’m focused and expect big things of myself but doesn’t always happen that way,” said Tiziani after signing his card of 65. “I had a good week of practice and trying to take advantage of opportunities I have and stay fresh and trying to execute. This is all new stuff to me…but I’m learning how to handle myself.”
Freddie Jacobson, of Sweden, who just turned 50 and playing in his first Champions Tour event fired 31-34-65, for 6-under to sit in third place.
World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els, 55, sits near the top of the crowded leaderboard after posting a 7 birdie 2 bogey round of 5-under 67 for T-4. Also shooting 5-under at T-4 is Tom Lehman, Darren Clark and Joe Durant.
Five-time Chubb Classic winner and World Golf Hall of Fame member Bernhard Langer posted a so-so round of even par 72 for T-32. The 67-year old is the winningest player in Champions Tour history with 47 victories.
There’s still a ways to go for Stankowski and Tiziani and both know there’s lots of very talented players behind them but a good start nonetheless.
GOLF Channel TV Times: Saturday, Feb. 15 from 3-5:30 p.m. ET and Sunday, Feb. 16 3-5:30 p.m.
https://www.pgatour.com/pgatour-champions/leaderboard
PHOTO CREDIT: Beverly Wise
