Deadspin: Darren Fichardt eagles 18 to snag first Champions title in Arkansas

An eagle settles the contest

Fichardt began Sunday one shot ahead of Johnson after shooting 61 in the second round at Pleasant Valley Country Club. Both golfers posted 64s in the final round, but Fichardt needed birdie and eagle on the final two holes to finish at 22 under.

He birdied the par-3 17th to draw level with Johnson at 20 under. Johnson then birdied the par-5 18th to reach 21 under, leaving Fichardt needing an eagle to win outright.

Fichardt’s putt from the front of the 18th green curled in from the left. He celebrated with a small fist pump and threw his hat to the ground.

First victory on the tour

The win was Fichardt’s first on the PGA Tour Champions. The 51-year-old South African spent most of his career playing on Africa’s Sunshine Tour, and also won five European Tour titles and twice on the European Senior Tour. Fichardt said the moment was “something fairytales are written about.” He also said the victory meant a great deal after winning around the world, and described it as the start of his senior journey with his wife.

Playoff race takes shape

Johnson finished one stroke behind Fichardt and remained second in the season-long standings behind Cink. Johnson is the main threat to catch Cink for the Cup, while Cink tied for 10th at 11 under after shooting 66.

Jerry Kelly placed third at 14 under, eight strokes behind Fichardt. Steven Alker, Padraig Harrington and Retief Goosen completed the season-long top five after Cink and Johnson.

Final field cutoff

David Toms fell four places to No. 36 but secured the last spot in the championship field. Mario Tiziani finished tied for 21st in Little Rock, yet dropped three places and became the first player outside the playoff cutoff.