RICHMOND, Va. — Tim O’Neal birdied two of the final three holes Sunday and closed with a 7-under 65 to win his first PGA Tour Champions, a two-shot victory over Ricardo Gonzalez at Dominion. Energy Charity Classic.
O’Neal had one shot on the back nine at The Country Club of Virginia until he launched his two best shots, a sinker to 6 feet on the par-5 16th and a wedge that landed near the hole. and turns back to 5 feet on the par-5 18th.
Gonzalez missed three birdie opportunities within 10 feet of the green, forcing him to make an eagle on the closing hole to move into the playoff. He missed the fairway to the left, hit the hook into the bunker and had to settle for par and 69.
For the 52-year-old O’Neal, this was a long time coming. He knew a lot about heartbreak at Q-school as he tried to get on the PGA Tour, which hit hard in 2000 when he needed a bogey on the last hole and made triple bogey.
He never won on the PGA Tour, winning three times on the Latin American tour and three more on the European mini-tour.
“It only takes one week, and this was my week,” O’Neal said while fighting back tears.
This was a good week for him to break through. He was one of three players to advance to the top 54 in the Charles Schwab Cup to advance to the second postseason event next week in Arkansas. O’Neal moved from No. 55 to No. 13, ensuring he will be among the top 36 playing in the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship.
“For me to do it when I’m supposed to, that means a lot,” O’Neal said.
He is one of the most popular players on the big circuit, with players coming to congratulate him as Gonzalez went 18.
O’Neal’s 65 was the lowest round of the week, and he finished at 13-under 203.
He was a shot ahead on the 16th when Gonzalez, playing in the group behind him, hit a 3-foot par for birdie. O’Neal hit it hard to ensure he would stay in the lead, then played a perfect game on 18 but ended up closing it out.
David Brandson shot a 67 to finish third and move into the top 54, while Paul Goydos birdied three of the last four holes for a 70 to tie for fifth and move up 11 spots to No. 48.
Chris DiMarco, Kirk Triplett and Angel Cabrera finished 54th in the Schwab Cup, ending their season.
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