The Kaulig Companies Championship, formerly the Senior Players Championship, reached a dramatic crescendo on Sunday at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
Miguel Angel Jiménez, the 61-year-old Spaniard, executed one of the most thrilling comebacks of the year on the PGA Tour Champions, capturing his fourth title of the season and his third senior major by outlasting Steven Alker in a sudden-death playoff.
“I knew I had to make birdie-birdie to have any chance.” Jiménez said. “I make birdie on the 17th, gives you wings to go to 18th, and then the rest is history.”
Ageless and Unstoppable
Entering Sunday two strokes behind Alker, Jiménez delivered a vintage performance when it counted. He rolled in clutch birdies at 17 and 18–making a 10-foot putt at 17 and an 18-foot beauty at 18–to force extra holes. In the playoff’s second hole, his deft touch struck again, sinking a decisive 20-foot birdie putt to win at 10-under par .
With a final scoreline of 270 strokes (70‑66‑66‑68), Jiménez earned a $525,000 winner’s share from the $3.5 million purse. It marked his 17th career victory on the Champions Tour and his fourth in 2025–the most of any player this season. Those victories include the Hassan II Trophy, Hoag Classic, Principal Charity Classic, and now Firestone’s senior major.
Alker, the 53-year-old New Zealander, battled hard and matched Jiménez throughout regulation at 10-under, firing consistent rounds (68‑67‑67‑68). He remained in top form, entering Sunday tied for the lead and carrying serious momentum.
Although his clutch moment on the second playoff hole eluded him, Alker made another statement, pushing Jiménez to the limit. His runner-up finish boosts his standing and adds another strong resume line to his Champions career.
Tactical and Course Insights
Firestone South, a par‑70 stretching over just above 7,000 yards, played a pivotal role in the drama. The course average hovered around 71.56 for the week, with round four slightly under par at 71.09. Sunny skies and winds of 10-15 mph provided firm but fair conditions, rewarding accuracy both off the tee and on approach.
Jiménez’s strategy was textbook: measured iron play into greens, unwavering short game, and impeccable putting when it mattered most.
“It’s very special. I played very well this year, but coming in this third major of the year, I’ve been playing very well,” Jiménez said. “This week I win here and put my name on the side of all great names through the history of the golf tournament here on this beautiful golf course, probably one of the better golf courses we’ll play all year. No words to explain, fantastic.”
Finishing third was veteran Stewart Cink, who wrapped four solid rounds to finish at 8-under–a couple of strokes shy of the leaders. Steve Flesch tied for fourth at 7-under, underscoring the depth of talent in the field.
Qualifiers like Michael Wright and Freddie Jacobson fought to keep pace, entering Sunday within a few strokes of contention, but ultimately falling short. Wright finished the last round with a 73 at 3-under, while Jacobson followed with a 70. Their performances, though overshadowed by Jiménez’s heroics, highlighted the competitive nature of the field.
What This Win Means
Jiménez’s victory cements his status at the top of the Charles Schwab Cup standings, having already recorded a strong season. He’s produced a campaign that ranks among the best ever on Champions Tour.
For Alker, the near miss will sting, but his playoff contention reinforces his standing among the Champions elite. Meanwhile, players like Cink and Flesch solidify their seasons, and those who narrowly missed out gain valuable lessons to draw on as the tour moves toward the U.S. Senior Open and the chase for Schwab Cup honors.
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