Australian Richard Green finds redemption in winning 2025 Rogers Charity Classic
The universe that Richard Green talks about in interviews, took the PGA Tour Champions star on a few turns and turns it in the circle of the winner for the first time.
That ride came in his 71st start at the circuit before the age of 50-plus golfers and on the Rogers Charity Classic from 2025 here in Calgary.
And it left the 54-year-old Australian both excited and relieved.
“It’s great … you know,” said Green, with a grin that underlined his 18-under-par 192 victory in the US $ 2.5 million event in Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club.
“It is a great feeling to finally win … it is one that I will never forget,” Green continued. “You know … it is relief and delighting and joy, and my family at home and everyone will just be so happy.
“I can’t wait to talk to them all and share it with them.”
The resident of Williamstown, Australia, shared his enthusiasm with the fans at the hand in the moments after sinking the Clinching Putt on the Par-5 18th Hole.
Green did a double fist pump and then turned to the viewer to shoot another fist in the air.
Then he hugged Miguel Angel Jiménez, the top dog on the PGA Tour Champions run this season and the man Green had to chase on Sunday to grab the Rogers Charity Classic Triumph, which is interrupted annually by the award -winning of the champion with a characteristic white stetson and the $ 375,000 champion control.
“Yes … the cowboy hat feels great,” said Green. “Apparently it also looks good.
“Miguel actually said:” You earn it. ‘It is clear that he has looked at my career in recent years and saw me there a few times in battle, and that was very, very nice of him. ”
Green was actually contrary to last year’s Rogers title.
He led on his way to the final round, but made way with only a twice day before the final winner Ken Tanigawa.
So redemption played a role in his play at least a year later. Just like five other previous second place in his three-year-old PGA Tour Champions career.
“Yes … a bit after things were the past as they did last year,” Green admitted. “I had a great year (with five second place Finishes in 2024), and I really can’t complain. But to get there and to have the results I did last year, I certainly helped to get it and get it over the line.
“I think you should have a few small beats before you win.”
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There were also beating in the run -up to the celebration on Sunday.
At no. 11, which is considered the easiest of the three par 5s of Canyon Meadows, Green was under a pine tree. While he hit it in safety, he then hit another tree with his next shot – and the lead he had earned at the front suddenly seemed to be in danger.
Especially with the great Jiménez, the author of no less than five tours, wins on the calendar, which breathes in his neck.
“Yes … I don’t know what the universe was trying to do with me there,” said Green. “But it was certainly testing for me – that’s for sure.
“Miguel’s had such a great career and a great year this year, and to lead the Schwab Cup (as the best money in the Tour), the way he is (with a broad margin) is no surprise of the quality of the player.
“And for me to be able to compete with him and perform well and better than he (Sunday) is very satisfactory.”
In the end, Jiménez actually had to worry more about Ricardo Gonzalez, who after an excellent 5-under 65 Sunday was in the clubhouse on 17-year-old 193 to match the last round of Green.
The Argentinian waited for the last Putt drop of Green before he knew he had placed the $ 220,000 second prize.
A green par would mean a play -off between the two stars. And Jiménez, who tried to go as the winner after leading the first two days, but finished 16-under 194, was close to making a potential three-man overtime, when his eagle Putt walked on 18.
Green’s Birdie during the last test, however, ignored all that play -off speculation, while he left his last battle in just a few feet to be the 40th Aussie who won on tour and the 12th winner of the Rogers Charity Classic.
“It probably felt like a longer putt than it should,” Green described. “But I felt really good with the putter, and these greens are so beautiful to draw on. So you just really have faith in getting the ball online and rolling the ball and staying online.
“And I was glad it would go inside.”
The Top Canadian was Calgary’s own Wes Martin, who shot a 1-over 71 Sunday for a 4-under 206. The round included an eagle on the Par-5 11th Hole.
“It’s a bit disappointing about the way it ended,” said Martin, who was the best golfer in the qualifying competition to gain access to the event. “I would have liked to have shot under par (Sunday).
“I will tell you that the only big thing I have learned is that I am exhausted,” Martin continued. “I have changed a few things in my life, and I have to change something, because I am defeated. It was a bit lazy swings. With food, water, exercise – if I want to continue and compete – I should definitely try a number of different things.”
The next was the Mike Weir from Ontario on 3 under 207 after a 2-under 68 over the last 18 holes. Gordon Burns from Ontario was also 2 under Sunday to end 2-under 208. And Vancouver’s Stephen Ames Birdied four holes on the front nine to end 2 under the day for an Even-PAR 210.
But the day was from Green, who has credited his Caddy Mitch Winzer – new to him this year – to help him to help the bump to collect that elusive first victory.
“Mitch’s personality and attitude are just so calm,” Green added. “I have 100% conviction in his ability to give me the right information. You know … His emotions never falter all day. Even when we had a bit of a hiccup on the 11th hole, he was immediately calm and collected – and that is what I need to win. That’s what I need to get myself across the street.
“Because my emotions are up and down like a yo -yo. The quieter I can have someone around me, the better. It’s great.”
