Els wins Champions Tour season-opener in Hawaii

Ernie Els has claimed a seventh PGA Tour Champions victory, winning the season opener in Hawaii by two shots from Bernard Langer, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Alex Cejka.

The 55-year-old South African closed with a six-under 66 to finish at 18-under 198 at the Hualalai course on Sunday.

The 67-year-old Langer missed an early chance to win for the 19th straight season on the 50-and-over tour. Playing alongside Els and Cejka in the final group, he parred the last four holes for a 66.

The German star won the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship last year for his record-extending 47th senior title.

Jimenez closed with a 64, and Cejka shot 68. Langer and Jimenez have each won the event three times.

Els won three times last season. He is a four-time major champion, winning the U.S. Open and British Open twice each.

Rod Pampling tied for 15th at 11 under after a 70 while fellow Australian Mark Hensby (66) was a shot further back.