Brief

Rory Sabbatini clinches first Champions Tour title with 62 at Stifel Classic

Sabbatini surged with an eagle and three birdies on the back nine to win by one stroke.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:01:04 GMT

Rory Sabbatini recovered from a four‑shot deficit on the back nine to finish with a 9‑under 62, securing his first PGA Tour Champions title at the Stifel Classic on Sunday in St. Louis, according to the Associated Press.

What happened

Sabbatini played the final six holes in six‑under par, including a 25‑foot eagle putt on the par‑5 15th and a 40‑foot birdie on the 18th. He finished one shot ahead of Darren Clarke, who posted a 65. Henrik Stenson, Steven Alker and Mario Tiziani rounded out the top four, with Stenson posting a bogey‑free 68.

What the reports add

The AP noted that Sabbatini, a South African‑born Slovakian who turned 50 in April, moved to No. 7 on the Charles Schwab Cup points list, advancing him to the next week’s playoff event in Arkansas. The article also mentioned that Stenson, unable to join the Champions Tour until a year after his LIV Golf stint, advanced to the second week of the Schwab Cup playoffs despite playing only eight tournaments.

What was said

"Just one of those days when you’re trying to stay out of your own way," Sabbatini said, as reported by the AP.

How it came about

Sabbatini’s explosive final round echoed his 61‑stroke silver‑medal performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. His victory follows a season of strong play on the senior circuit, and his rise in the Schwab Cup rankings positions him for further playoff contention.

Key facts

Rory Sabbatini shot a 9‑under 62 to win the Stifel Classic. (winnipegfreepress.com)
He erased a four‑shot deficit on the back nine with an eagle and three birdies. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sabbatini won by one stroke over Darren Clarke, who posted a 65. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The win moved Sabbatini to No. 7 on the Charles Schwab Cup points list. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Henrik Stenson shot a bogey‑free 68 and advanced to the next playoff week. (winnipegfreepress.com)