Flesch wins Mitsubishi Electric Classic in playoff

Monday, April 16, 2018

It took 38 holes on Saturday for Steve Flesch to capture his maiden PGA Tour Champions victory at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic, in just his 22nd start. 

A birdie on the second playoff hole was needed for Flesch to win at TPC Sugarloaf. The event was completed a day early because of Sunday’s weather forecast, which was for heavy rain and lightning. 

Steve opened with a 66 and shot 71 on Saturday morning to enter the final round a stroke behind Langer, Jay Haas and Jerry Kelly.  

A final round 68 (-4) was enough to get Steve into a playoff with Scott Parel and Bernhard Langer, all on -11.

Flesh and Parel birdied the first playoff hole, and when Langer failed to do so, he was eliminated. 

On the second playoff hole, Steve hit long and right into the back bunker, and hit a superb bunker shot out to 3 feet. Holing this short putt was enough to seal victory.

“You never know if you’re ever going to win again,” Flesch said. “Honestly, it’s been harder than I anticipated winning on this tour. The guys are so good. That Langer guy is hard to beat.”

With this victory, Steve moves up to 8th on the Charles Schwab Cup Money List. 

Congratulations to Steve on his first win on the PGA Tour Champions. This is no doubt going to be the first victory of many on this Tour.