Kjeldsen secured a commanding eight-stroke victory at the PGA TOUR Champions Qualifying Tournament (Final Stage) at TPC Scottsdale’s Champions Course on Friday. The 49-year-old, who will turn 50 in May 2025, finished with a 24-under-par total, setting a new record for the lowest score since the Q-School Final Stage reverted to 72 holes in 2006. Kjeldsen’s dominant performance also marked the largest margin of victory in Final Stage history, surpassing Bob Gilder’s seven-stroke win in 2000.

Kjeldsen, who co-led after the first round, extended his lead to two strokes after round two and three after round three. In the final round, he matched the low round of the day with a 66 to seal the victory.

“This week has been incredible,” Kjeldsen said after his victory. “Yesterday morning, I was really nervous, but today I felt calmer. The first few holes were tough, and I was a little on edge, but I really wanted this so badly.”

The win holds extra significance for Kjeldsen, who had his son, Emil, caddying for him throughout the tournament. “This is a week I’ll never forget,” he shared. “It’s probably some of the best golf I’ve ever played, and it’s been such a special moment for both of us.”

Sweden’s Freddie Jacobson, who celebrated his 50th birthday in September, finished as runner-up with a 16-under total. Jacobson, who played alongside Kjeldsen in all four rounds, shot a final-round 71 after rounds of 65, 66, and 66.

Mark Walker, Felipe Aguilar, and Brendan Jones each finished tied for third at 14-under, earning their PGA TOUR Champions cards for the 2025 season. Walker, 57, has made 20 starts on the Champions Tour, with a best finish of sixth at the 2022 Mitsubishi Electric Classic. Aguilar, who turned 50 last month, was the medalist at last month’s First Stage Q-School, where he won by eight strokes. Jones, who will turn 50 in March 2025, adds to the growing Australian presence on the Champions Tour, alongside four other Australians who earned status at last year’s Q-School.

Dicky Pride, Scott Barr, and Andre Stolz tied for sixth at 13-under, one stroke shy of making the playoff for 2025 status. Players who finished sixth through 30th will have the opportunity to compete in open qualifiers next year.

Kjeldsen’s victory not only grants him full status on the PGA TOUR Champions for 2025 but also cements his place among the next generation of golfers on the circuit.