Loren Roberts didn’t waste any time securing his third major title on Sunday.
Roberts made five birdies on the first nine holes during the final round of the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship at Baltimore Country Club’s East Course in Timonium en route to a four-day total of 13-under-par. He claimed the championship by six strokes over Tom Watson, who finished at 7-under-par.
“Today I really exorcised some demons today for me, last year [I let things get away] and finished third,” said Roberts, who squandered a two-shot lead on the last day of the Senior Players Championship in Dearborn, Mich., last year. “This one might be the sweetest for me.”
Sunday was Robert’s fourth consecutive round shooting below par — something only he and Watson accomplished at the event. Roberts fired a three-under-par 67 on Thursday, a 66 on Friday, a 67 on Saturday and a 68 on Sunday. He was part of a five-way tie for first place after Thursday’s opening round, but moved to the front of the field on Friday and never relinquished the lead.
For the tournament, Roberts made 19 birdies against only six bogeys at a course that is known for its difficult greens. But Roberts, known throughout his 22 year pro career as the “Boss of the Moss” for his putting ability, was able to use his greatest skill to separate himself from the field.
“I love these kind of greens because it’s all about feel and it’s all about pace and imagination,” Roberts said. “That’s kind of the way I putt.
His other major victories were the JELD-WEN Tradition in 2005 and the Senior British Open the following year. But the Constellation Energy Senior Players Championship — the last of five majors on tour — will always be a special.
“It is nice to be able to overcome something mentally like that,” Roberts said. “That’s why as I stand here before you today. I think it’s probably one of the most gratifying things, one of the most gratifying wins I’ve ever had.”
