Bernhard Langer Ties Hale Irwin’s Record With 45th PGA Tour Champions Title

On Sunday at Tiburón Golf Club's Black Course, Bernhard Langer made history: His victory at the Chubb Classic marked his 45th PGA Tour Champions win, a number that ties Hale Irwin’s record. 

“When I heard Hale Irwin had won 45 times, I'm going, 'this is awesome and amazing, and it still is and always will be,'” Langer said. “Hale, if you're watching, congratulations. You're a great champion, and I'm honored to have tied your record. We need a toast for the glass of champagne or something.”

The 65-year-old finished at 17 under for the tournament after a he tied his age with a final round of 7 under to take home the trophy. Dicky Pride gave Langer a run after he made an ace on the 10th hole, followed by a string of birdies, but a stumble on 17 opened the door for the German. 

“There were a lot of guys in the picture at a certain time, and we knew that setting out. We had a very strong leaderboard, and even the guys who weren't on the leaderboard, there were some very big champions right there within three, four, five shots which you can make up on any golf course,” Langer said. 

Langer finished three shots ahead of Steve Stricker and Padraig Harrington to clinch his fifth victory at the Naples event.