GLENEAAGLES, Scotland — Jerry Kelly rose to the problem on the ultimate gap Sunday to win the Senior British Open by two strokes and declare his third senior main title.
The 59-year-old American, who additionally received the Senior Gamers in 2020 and 2022, shot a 2-under 68 with 4 birdies and two bogeys on the King’s Course at Gleneagles to complete at 10-under 270.
Kelly’s ball went right into a greenside bunker on the par-5 18th, however he nonetheless made birdie and averted a possible playoff.
“The Senior Claret Jug is the trophy I needed greater than something as a golfer over 50,” Kelly mentioned. “To have the ability to try this in Scotland, the house of golf, and really win and go to St. Andrews, the house of golf, I simply haven’t any phrases.”
With the win, Kelly certified for subsequent yr’s one hundred and fifty fifth British Open at St. Andrews.
The Madison, Wis., native has 14 wins on the PGA Tour Champions.
“I discovered lots about myself right this moment that I want I had discovered 20 or 30 years in the past,” Kelly mentioned. “You are by no means too previous to study. That is what actually caught with me.”
Australia’s Cameron Percy, 70, South Africa’s Darren Fitchard, 66, and American Matt Gogel, 63, tied for second place.
Gogel moved up 12 locations with a 7-under 63, forward of solely Scotland’s Stephen Gallasher in fifth place with an 8-under 62, together with 9 birdies.
“Implausible,” Kelly mentioned to the followers, “thanks,” as he raised his putter on the 18th.
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