Rookie Rory Sabbatini cards blazing 62 to win Stifel Charity Classic for first PGA Tour Champions title

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Rory Sabbatini made up a four-shot deficit on the back nine by closing with an eagle and three straight birdies for a 9-under 62 to win the Stifel Charity Classic on Sunday for his first PGA Tour Champions title.

Sabbatini played his final six holes in 6 under, which included a 25-foot eagle putt from the fringe on the par-5 15th hole. His final birdie was from 40 feet up the hill on No. 18 at Norwood Hills Country Club, and he won by one shot over Darren Clarke (65).

Sabbatini, the South African-born Slovakian who turned 50 in April, moved to No. 7 in the Charles Schwab Cup as the leading 54 players on the points list advanced to next week in Arkansas, the second of three postseason events.

Clarke and Henrik Stenson appeared to be in a two-man race, with Mario Tiziani lurking, until none could keep up with Sabbatini and his explosive final round. It was similar to when he won the silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 with a 61 on the final day.

"Just one of those days when you're trying to stay out of your own way," Sabbatini said.

Stenson, who also turned 50 in April, shot a bogey-free 68 on a day when he ultimately needed more than his three birdies. He twice missed birdie chances inside 5 feet on the back nine and closed with 12 straight pars.

He still managed to advance to the second week of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs despite playing in only eight tournaments in the 2026 regular season. Stenson tied for third with Steven Alker (66) and Tiziani (68).

Stenson and Tim Petrovic moved into the top 54 to advance to next week (Nos. 41 and 53, respectively), knocking out J.J. Henry and Chad Campbell, who bogeyed three of his last five holes to miss out on the 54th spot by $402.