In a field of Hall of Fame golfers, one of the game’s most popular legends is setting the pace at the Regions Tradition.
Ernie Els shot a second-round best 6-under to take the lead Friday. His overall score of 10-under gives him sole possession of first place at the halfway of this PGA TOUR Champions major event, one stroke ahead of first-round leader Paul Broadbent.
A 53-year-old native of South Africa, Els is seeking his fourth Champions Tour title, which would match the four majors (two U.S. Opens, two British Opens) he won on the PGA Tour.
But to win the Regions Tradition, he’ll have to hold off a talent-laden field that includes two-time champion Steve Stricker.
Stricker is two shots back in a tie for third place with Timothy O’Neal and Joe Durant.
Other notables still in contention include 2022 Regions Tradition runner-up Pádraig Harrington (7-under) and former champs Alex Čejka (7-under) and Miguel Ángel Jiménez (6-under).
Held at Greystone Golf & Country Club in suburban Birmingham, Alabama, the Regions Tradition is one of five major tournaments on the Champions Tour. The tournament began 31 years ago and has generated more than $21 million in charities, with Children’s of Alabama being the biggest benefactor.
The 2023 edition of the Regions Tradition concludes Sunday.
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