Charles, Player claim Demaret Division title

text size

Condon/PGA TOUR/Getty Images

Gary Player (left) and Bob Charles (right) won the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf Demaret Division in 2009.

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Bob Charles and Gary Player posted a 36-hole total of 18-under-par 126 to defeat the team of Jimmy Powell and Al Geiberger by one stroke and claim the Demaret Division title (players 70+) of the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf. Charles and Player shot consecutive rounds of 63 in the better-ball format at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa.

Charles' 3-foot birdie putt at No. 17 proved to be the difference, but Player needed to sink a four-footer for par at No. 18 to clinch the title for the pair. The winner's 18-under-par total of 126 matched the low 36-hole total in tournament history, set in 2008 by Powell and Geiberger's on their way to a five-stroke win. The 10-under-par 62 posted on Tuesday by Powell/Geiberger and Bobby Nichols/Butch Baird also matched the tournament 18-hole scoring record.

Charles and Player started the day with a two-stroke lead over Powell/Geiberger and Don Bies/Tom Shaw, but had to hold off a late charge by the defending champions.

Powell/Geiberger closed within one stroke after birdies on four of the first five holes on the back nine, but they could get no closer as Charles matched their birdie on No. 17.

"It was a thrilling finish out there," said Player. "We ham and egged it pretty well."

"It's a pleasure playing with Gary and I think we're a good combination," Charles added. "We've played together several times before, but it's still nice to be able to compete at age 73."

Charles and Powell each won $40,000 for their victory, while the team of Powell/Geiberger won $22,000 each. Baird/Nichols were third and earned $16,500 each..