RICHMOND, Va. - Bernhard Langer became the oldest winner in PGA Tour Champions history Sunday when the 64-year-old made a 6-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to beat Doug Barron in the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.
The German star thrust both arms in the air after winning for the 42nd time on the 50-and-over tour and the first time since March 2000.
"I think it's just encouraging to everybody that's over 50 or 60, we can still perform at a very high level and you should never give up," Langer said. " And of course physical conditioning is one thing. You've got to be mentally tough, you've got to have good technique and nerves and all of rest of it."
At 64 years, 1 month, 27 days, Langer broke the record of 63 years, 5 months, 4 days set by Scott Hoch when he teamed with Tom Pernice Jr. to win in the 2019 Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf. Langer extended his streak of seasons with a victory to 15 and moved within three of matching Hale Irwin as the senior victory leader.
Barron birdied the par-5 18th hole for a 4-under 68. Langer followed with a birdie for a 69 to catch him at 14-under 202. Both had 6-foot birdie putts on the 18th in the playoff. Barron's hit the right edge, leaving Langer to make the winner.
He also strengthened his lead in the Charles Schwab Cup standings. The tournament was the first of three postseason events.
Matsuyama wins title
CHIBA, Japan - Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama had three birdies in five holes on the back nine and closed with an eagle for a 5-under 65 and a five-stroke victory in the Zozo Championship.
Matsuyama was runner-up to Tiger Woods in the Zozo Championship in 2019, the last time the PGA Tour event was held at Narashino Country Club. It was played last year in California because of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The Japanese star was in a playoff for the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics, where he played in the final group. This time, he gave his home country reason to celebrate.
Matsuyama had a two-shot lead against Cameron Tringale at the par-5 18th when he hit 3-wood to 12 feet for eagle to clinch the victory. He finished at 15-under 265. Tringale made bogey for a 69 tied for second with Brendan Steele (66).
Matsuyama won for the seventh time on the PGA Tour, one shy of the record for Asian-born players held by K.J. Choi of South Korea.
British Open champion Collin Morikawa closed with a 69 to finish 10 shots back. Olympic gold medalist Xander Schauffele, whose mother grew up in Japan, had a 68 and was 15 shot behind.
Ko wins in LPGA
BUSAN, South Korea - Jin Young Ko closed with an 8-under 64 and birdied the first playoff hole to beat Hee Jeong Lim and win the BMW Ladies Championship, the 200th victory on the LPGA Tour by a South Korean player.
Ko won for the second straight time, and third in her last five starts. The LPGA Tour said she is projected to return to No. 1 in the world over Nelly Korda, who did not play.
Lim led by four strokes going into the final round and shot 68 to join Ko at 22-under 266.
Four players were tied for third, four strokes behind, including Lydia Ko of New Zealand, who shot a 64.
Jin Young Ko now has four victories this year .