Australians 2nd, 3rd and 4th at Senior PGA Championship
Richard Green and caddie walk from the 12th green today – image Ryan Lockhead PGA of America
Richard Green has finished runner-up, Greg Chalmers 3rd and Scott Hend in a share of 4th place at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Benton Harbour in Michigan, England’s Richard Bland winning the event in his first appearance on the PGA Tour Champions.
Bland, who is a regular on the LIV Golf Tour, was tied with Chalmers heading into the final round and when Chalmers birdied the 14th he had moved one clear of Bland. An eagle by Bland at the 15th and three consecutive bogeys to finish for Chalmers saw Bland win by three over Green who stormed home in 30 including two eagles to edge Chalmers out of second place.
Chalmers was alone in third place in his first appearance in a PGA Tour Champions and Hend, also playing his first major event on the PGA Tour Champions and his first event of any sort on that tour, was home in 31 to finish tied for 4th with one other.
“Yeah, exciting to have a chance,” said Green. “I felt like I had some opportunities early and I missed the birdie at the second, missed a birdie at the third, and sort of thought, well, is this going to happen.
“But I suppose as the round progressed I sort of hung in there and got myself back with a couple of birdies and turned under par and felt like I was still half a chance of getting in there. And then obviously to make another couple eagles.
Obviously disappointed given what a win would have done for him on the PGA Tour Champions, Chalmers was happy with his week despite the late demise and saw the possible benefits moving forward.
“You know, it does help me down the line,” said Chalmers. “Doesn’t help me in the immediate future in terms of getting opportunities. Still got to go qualify on Tuesday for next week in Des Moines. Down the line I think I’m going to get some more opportunities. Certainly helps some steps towards gaining playing rights for next year in terms of money and points, so however it works.
“Even though I didn’t finish as strongly as I would like, I take solace in the fact that I was 3-over at the start of the tournament on Thursday and here I am, finished third outright. It’s a great week in any first major, first real taste of being in the last group and seeing what it takes and what I need to work on and improve.
“So I take a lot of positives about it. I’m hopeful I can get another opportunity down the line. Ironically, I’m in the U.S. Open and the British Open coming up, so hoping I’ll get some chances to get in this position again.”
Green earns US$380,000 and will move close to the top five on the PGA Tour Champiosn money list, Chalmers US$237,000 and Hend, US$148,000.
Greg Chalmers in action today – image PGA of America
