Corvallis’ Gilder wins on Champions Tour for first time since the 2006 season

Corvallis native Bob Gilder made a 30-foot birdie putt on No. 18, then watched Mark Brooks bogey the hole to escape with a one-stroke victory in the Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines, Iowa.

Brooks seemed assured of his first victory in seven starts on the Champions Tour when he led by three strokes with four to play. But he hit into the water on 17 and needed a nifty putt just to make bogey. He then three-putted on 18 to hand the title to Gilder, who also won this tournament in 2002.

The 60-year-old Gilder earned his 10th victory on the Champions Tour but first since 2006. He closed with a 6-under 65 for a 14-under 199 total.

“It’s just been a long time,” said Gilder, choking up in the emotion of the moment. “You put in a lot of work as you get older. You kind of wonder if you can do it again.”

Brooks, the leader after the first two rounds, shot 68. Mike Goodes and Rod Spittle each came in at 65 to finish two strokes back. Mark Calcavecchia, who trailed Brooks by one stroke, shot 69 and finished three off the lead.