If you were listening to the chatter in the media center at Greystone Golf and Country Club on Sunday, May 12, the skeptics had definitely taken several of the seats there. Watching the leaderboard for the final round, the names were a who’s who of hall of fame golfers – Stricker, Els, Cink.
But in the group – and steadily moving up the board for most of first few holes of the final round (despite what the skeptics thought) – was another name: Doug Barron.
That’s the Doug Barron of never having won a major, on any tour.
Playing in the lead group in the final round, Barron was sandwiched between two hall of famers, and went on to finish the week with a score of -17, winning the tournament by two strokes over runner-up Steven Alker. The first major of the year of the PGA Tour Champions now belongs to him, and he earned his biggest payday ($390,000) since he turned pro in 1992.
The win appeared to be less of a celebration for the Memphis-native and Mississippi State alum, as it was a relief. Interviewed at the end of play, Barron was asked about how he retained his composure and calm with the pressure and the pro playing alongside. His answer, as he chuckled: “I felt like I was throwing up inside!”
A Late Life Renaissance
Before joining the Champions Tour, Barron had played in more than 300 tournaments. He never won. He made the cut in less than half the events he ever played. But since moving to the Champions Tour, he’s won twice and made the cut in every tournament. And now, he has a major to add to that resume.
Say what you may, but Barron’s win on Sunday was solid. He never relinquished his lead.
Barron played error-free golf – with no bogeys and still shot 4-under-par.
Not bad for someone who’d made a call to tournament director Gene Hallman earlier this year seeking a sponsor’s exemption to play in the tournament (typically reserved for players that have not won recently, have ties to the community, or are a large draw for crowds).
In the end, he didn’t need an exemption because he played well in other contests and earned a spot in the tournament field.
Just like he earned a permanent place in the field in the future with this impressive at the Regions Tradition win in 2024.
About the Regions Tradition
The Regions Tradition is one of the major championships for the PGA Tour Champions. Regions has been the title sponsor since 2011 and had been a sponsor of predecessor tournaments. Since the tournament began some 30+ years ago, the Regions Tradition has raised $22.7 million for charity, with the primary beneficiary being Children’s of Alabama.