NAPLES, Florida – Justin Leonard was eligible to join the Champions Tour in June of 2022 when he turned 50 years old. But there’s joining the Champions Tour, and there’s winning on the Champions Tour and after 44 events he’s been knocking at the door with nine top 10s until the 2025 Chubb Classic.
Heading into the final round at Tiburon Golf Club Leonard held a one-stroke lead over World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els and the 12-time PGA Tour winner methodically marched around the 6,897 yards par 72 layout posting a 4-under 68 and total 15-under to earn his first victory on the senior circuit.
“I know it’s a cliche but my focus today was one shot at a time,” said Leonard, who posted nines of 35-33-68. “With the windy conditions I knew the scores weren’t going to be real low. I made a sloppy bogey on 10 but rebounded after that. It’s hard to win out here and I’m happy with my first win.”
Finishing solo second was Billy Andrade who fired a 54-hole total of (68-69-68-205) 11-under. Darren Clark also fired a final round 68 to finish solo third at 10-under. Fred Couples, Paul Stankowski, Richard Green and Heath Slocum were T-4 at 9-under.
Justin Leonard’s last taste of victory was 17 years ago on the PGA Tour at the 2008 Stanford St. Jude Championship. His final round included 6 birdies and 2 bogeys.
“I’ve been putting in the work and understand you can’t control the outcome but you can control the work ethic,” said a happy Leonard on the 18th green after hoisting the trophy and receiving his (fake cardboard) check for $270,000. “Let the results surprise you.”
So the 38th edition of the Chubb Classic has a first-time winner at age 52. The Chubb Classic is the longest running Champions Tour event in one metropolitan area and the commitment will continue for many more years according to its title sponsor.
Winning one’s first senior tour event is something that never happens for the vast majority of golfers in Champions Tour history. For Justin Leonard though, it’s something that happened after two years and 45 tournaments.
https://www.pgatour.com/pgatour-champions/tournaments/2025/chubb-classic/S2025552/leaderboard
PHOTO CREDIT: Beverly Wise
