Fleischer finds win 'hard to believe'

Bruce Fleisher admitted he found it “hard to believe” he managed to edge out Hale Irwin to win the Champions Tour Verizon Classic in Lutz, Florida.

Fleisher defeated Irwin, the player with the most Champions Tour wins in history, by a stroke, using a two-shot swing at the 17th hole.

“It’s hard to believe,” said Fleisher, who earned the $240,000 (€223,800) top prize.

“When you beat a guy like Hale, it’s a little more satisfying.”

Fleisher relinquished a two-stroke advantage on the back nine but used a two-shot swing at the par-three 17th to take the lead for good. He parred the 18th for a four-under-par 67 to finish with a 54-hole total of eight-under 205, good enough for his 16th Champions Tour victory.