With a brilliant 9-under 62 in the final round, Rory Sabbatini secured victory at the Stifel Classic, shaking up the PGA Tour Champions. The Slovakian absolutely dominated the field in St. Louis on Sunday, leaving competitors like Darren Clarke one shot behind – what an incredible comeback!
In the end, a total score of 14-under 199 was on the scorecard, pieced together from rounds of 68, 69, and that magical 62. It was Sabba-Time! The last six holes, in particular, were a fireworks display: six under par, including a 25-foot (7.62 m) eagle putt on the 15th green and a clutch 40-foot (12.19 m) birdie on the final hole. Things really heated up on the green.
The Long Road to Triumph
This isn't just any victory; it's Sabbatini's first on the PGA Tour Champions, having become eligible after celebrating his 50th birthday in April 2026. It's also his first triumph at a PGA Tour-sanctioned event since 2011. Previously, he claimed six titles on the PGA Tour. Insiders will remember: His incredible round of 62 strokes strongly resembled the 61 he shot at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, which earned him a silver medal.
Hot Start to the Playoffs
The Stifel Classic also marked the start of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, and Sabbatini has immediately rocketed to seventh place in the rankings. He's on a roll! Darren Clarke also displayed strong golf with a 65, securing second place, while Henrik Stenson, Steven Alker, and Mario Tiziani tied for third. Stenson, who was chasing his first Champions title, played a bogey-free 68 but unfortunately left some short birdie chances out there. For Sabbatini, there was not only fame and glory but also $350,000 from the $2.3 million prize fund. What a day for the seasoned golfer!
