Bernhard Langer claims eighth senior major at Regions Tradition

Bernhard Langer equalled Jack Nicklaus' all-time record of Senior major championship titles with a five-shot victory at the Regions Tradition.

Langer fired an eight-under 64 at Graystone Golf and Country Club to defend his title and claim an eighth major success, with nine birdies and sole blemish seeing him pull clear of nearest challengers Scott McCarron and Scott Parel.

Beginning the day in a share of third spot and two strokes adrift of Fred Funk, Langer opened with back-to-back birdies to move into a share of the lead.

Langer found the rough off the fourth tee to post a bogey but bounced back with a birdie at the next, as Funk rolled in successive gains from the fifth to pull two clear.

The German responded by picking up shots at the seventh and ninth to reach the turn tied at the top, before pulling three ahead when he rolled in a 15-foot birdie at the 12th as Funk racked up a triple-bogey.

Further birdies over the next two holes moved Langer four shots clear, before extending his cushion with a penultimate hole gain to get to 20 under.

A bogey-free back nine from McCarron saw the American close a three-under 69 and share second spot on 15 under with Parel, with Marco Dawson alongside Funk a further stroke back.

Champions Tour Golf

Miguel Angel Jimenez signed for a two-under 70 to finish inside the top-20, while Colin Montgomerie shot a level-par 72 to finish 13 strokes off the pace.