Steve Allan is no stranger to perseverance, but on Sunday at Mission Hills Country Club, he finally got the long-awaited payoff. The 51-year-old Aussie put on a clinic in the final round of The Galleri Classic Presented by Spotlight 29 Casino, carding a bogey-free 5-under 67 to secure his first-ever PGA TOUR Champions victory.
Allan came out firing with five birdies on his opening nine, setting the tone early and holding off a competitive field to finish at 15-under for the week. It was a win 22 years, 4 months, and 6 days in the making—his last professional victory dating back to the 2002 Holden Australian Open.
Making History in the Desert
Allan’s journey to victory was anything but conventional. After a T26 finish at The Galleri Classic in 2024, he wasn’t originally in this year’s field but got his chance when Steve Stricker withdrew. Allan took full advantage of the opportunity, becoming the second first-time winner on the PGA TOUR Champions this season, alongside Justin Leonard.
His final round 67 capped off a three-day total of 201, matching his career-low 54-hole score. The win also makes him the youngest champion on the 2025 PGA TOUR Champions schedule so far at 51 years, 5 months, and 12 days.
Tag Ridings’ Cinderella Run Falls Just Short
One of the biggest surprises of the week was Tag Ridings, who earned his spot through the Monday qualifier and turned it into a runner-up finish at 14-under. In just his second PGA TOUR Champions start, Ridings proved he belongs, posting a final-round 67 and outpacing some of the biggest names in senior golf.
Big Names, Close Calls
A trio of Steve Flesch, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, and Steven Alker finished tied for third at 13-under. Flesch posted the round of the day (64), while Jiménez, the current Charles Schwab Cup leader, continued his strong form. Alker, who had been runner-up at The Galleri Classic the past two years, once again knocked on the door with another top-five finish.
Defending champion Retief Goosen closed at T10 (-10), while 2023 winner David Toms struggled, finishing T51 (-1).
What’s Next?
With The Galleri Classic wrapped, the PGA TOUR Champions season is heating up, and Allan’s breakthrough could be just the beginning.
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