Thomas Bjorn Wins Stifel Charity Classic

Thomas Bjorn, the Danish golfer who considers Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club his second home, delivered an impressive performance to win the $2.1 million Stifel Charity Classic on the PGA Champions Tour, marking his first solo victory on this circuit.

The 54-year-old part-time Dubai resident and former HERO Dubai Desert Classic winner achieved scores of 65, 69, and 67, totaling 12-under-par 201, clinching the title with a stunning 35-foot birdie putt in the first playoff hole against Australia’s Cameron Percy.

The Stifel Charity Classic is part of the professional golf tour for players aged 50 and above, attracting former PGA Tour stars and major champions. The tournament has been held at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri, since its start in 2020.

A treasured addition to the trophy collection. – Photo Instagram/ mrtbjorn

Bjorn’s victory resonates deeply with UAE golf fans, given his strong ties to Dubai. Beyond winning the Desert Classic in 2001, he also contributed to redesigning the renowned Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club course, where he spends considerable time. His win feels like a shared success with his Dubai community.

At Norwood Hills Country Club, Bjorn finished with a steady 4-under 67 to tie with Percy, who birdied three of his last four holes with a scorching 64, before sealing the playoff with a remarkable birdie putt on the par-4 18th, while Percy narrowly missed.

This marks Bjorn’s second Champions Tour win of 2025, following his team win with Darren Clarke in June, although that was not an individual title. His Champions Tour record now boasts two wins in just 40 starts.

Bjorn’s illustrious career includes 15 DP World Tour titles, such as the 2001 Dubai Desert Classic, 10 other international victories, and his captaincy of Europe’s victorious 2018 Ryder Cup team. He will return as a Vice-Captain under Luke Donald at Bethpage, New York, later this month.

With this triumph, Bjorn rises to sixth in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, having earned over $1.7 million this season, with Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiménez leading the rankings.

Reflecting on his victory, Bjorn admitted to feeling nervous:

“I felt a bit tense on the last three or four holes. I was surprised to find myself leading by one on the 13th fairway, as I thought I missed several chances earlier. I expected someone to be 13 or 14 under, and suddenly I was leading. It threw me off a bit, and I started playing differently, getting anxious.”

On the back nine, Bjorn birdied holes 10 and 15, parring the others, finishing 4-under for the day.

“Anyone who says they’re not nervous in these situations is lying. This is what professional sport is about. You strive to be in these situations, to enjoy them and manage the nerves without letting them take over completely. But feeling them is essential,” Bjorn concluded.

Results