STERLING, Va. (AP) – For Bernhard Langer, winning the Senior PGA Championship after several close calls would cap off a decade of dominance on the over-50 circuit. Vijay Singh is playing the event for the first time in his fifth year of eligibility and still wants to compete on the PGA Tour.
The 54-year-old Singh made three more birdies on par 5s to shoot a 4-under 67 at President Donald Trump’s course on the shores of the Potomac River. He had a 15-under 201 total, playing the par 5s in 10 under.
“He played phenomenal,’’ Langer said. “It was fun to watch some of the shots that he hit.’’
The 59-year-old Langer shot 70, ending a run of seven straight rounds in the 60s, and was one shot back. He’s seeking his ninth senior major, which would break Jack Nicklaus’ record. He tied Nicklaus last week with a final-round 64 to win the Regions Tradition by five shots. The Senior PGA is the only senior major he hasn’t won.
“I’ve had some tremendous rounds on Sundays, this year especially. My lowest rounds came on Sundays this year. So that’s encouraging,’’ Langer said. “Hoping to pull another one tomorrow, but it doesn’t happen all the time.’’
Singh, who’s averaging 291 yards off the tee to lead the field in driving distance, routinely outdrove Langer by 30 yards and hit his approach shots closer. His putter kept him from pulling further away. He missed three birdie putts inside 10 feet and a par putt inside 3 feet.
