Ernie Els wins Des Moines Charity Classic Main

Ernie Els broke a deadlock at the top with an eagle at the par-five 13th hole to take the lead for good as the South African won the Charity Classic Major at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines. Els finished with a final round of seven-under 65 to end the tournament at 21 under.

It was Els’ fourth PGA Tour Champions victory and first this season.

After holding the lead on the final day and coming up short in his last two tournaments, Els finally got over the hump.

While Els bogeyed the 13th, defending champion Stephen Ames missed the green on the par-three 14th. He saved par, but it was a turning point as he finished two shots back in second.

It was another successful week at Wakonda for Ames. The Canadian native was looking for his third win in four years.

In his first season on the tour, Heath Slocum enjoyed his best finish. He shot a final round of five-under 67 to finish tied for sixth.

Slocum could have challenged for the lead but missed birdie putts on 14 and 17.