Breakthrough Victory for Tim O’Neal
RICHMOND, Va. – After years of near-misses and heartaches, Tim O’Neal finally achieved his dream of winning on the PGA Tour Champions. The 52-year-old golfer closed with a stunning 7-under 65 to take the Dominion Energy Charity Classic by two shots over Ricardo Gonzalez.
A Long Time Coming
O’Neal’s victory was a testament to his perseverance and determination. He had come close to securing a PGA Tour spot in the past, only to fall short. Notably, he suffered a crushing defeat in Q-school in 2000 when he needed a bogey on the last hole but made a triple bogey instead. Despite this setback, O’Neal continued to compete, winning three times on the Latin America circuit and three more on smaller European tours.
Clutch Performance
On Sunday, O’Neal delivered two of his best shots when it mattered most. He hit a wedge into 6 feet on the par-5 16th and followed it up with a wedge that landed next to the hole and spun back to 5 feet on the par-5 18th. These clutch shots sealed the deal for O’Neal, leaving Gonzalez needing an eagle on the closing hole to force a playoff. However, Gonzalez missed the fairway to the left, hit a hook into the bunker, and had to settle for par and a 69.
Emotional Victory
As O’Neal tried to hold back tears, he said, “It only takes one week, and this was my week.” This breakthrough victory meant a lot to him, especially since it moved him into the top 54 in the Charles Schwab Cup, ensuring his spot in the second postseason event next week in Arkansas. O’Neal jumped from No. 55 to No. 13, guaranteeing his place among the top 36 players in the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship.
Popular Winner
O’Neal’s victory was met with widespread congratulations from his fellow players, who admire his dedication and sportsmanship. His 65 was the low round of the week, and he finished at 13-under 203. Other notable performances included David Brandson’s 67, which earned him third place and a spot in the top 54, and Paul Goydos’s 70, which tied him for fifth and moved him up 11 spots to No. 48.
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