Darren Clarke, Michael Wright share Chubb Classic lead

Two-time eagle finishes help Clarke tie for first-round lead in Florida

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland and Australian Michael Wright both shot 7-under 65 to share the first-round lead at the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida. Clarke made two eagles over his final four holes, while Wright had nine birdies despite a double bogey. Defending champion Justin Leonard is one shot back along with three others.

Why it matters

The Chubb Classic is an important PGA Tour Champions event, with the top players on the over-50 circuit competing for the title. Clarke and Wright's strong opening rounds have them in prime position to potentially win the tournament.

The details

Clarke made two eagles on the par-5 15th and 18th holes, sinking long putts after reaching the greens in two shots. Wright had nine birdies, including four of his last five holes, to offset a double bogey on the 13th. Defending champion Justin Leonard, Scott Parel, Rob Labritz, and Ricardo Gonzalez are one shot back at 6-under.

  • The first round was played on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The tournament has two more rounds to be played over the weekend.

The players

Darren Clarke

A 57-year-old professional golfer from Northern Ireland who is currently playing on the PGA Tour Champions.

Michael Wright

A 51-year-old professional golfer from Australia who is newer to the PGA Tour Champions.

Justin Leonard

The defending champion of the Chubb Classic, a 53-year-old American professional golfer.

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What they’re saying

“The one on 15, I hit driver, 3-iron from 237 (yards) to 12 feet and holed it for eagle. Then the last one I hit driver, 3-wood. The 3-wood was from 241 or something straight into the wind. Hit it to 15 feet behind the hole. So they were both pretty good. Take those any day.”

— Darren Clarke (statenews.net)

“This is his first Champions event and his first event ever was three weeks ago in Australia. He's doing a great job. I love having him on the bag.”

— Michael Wright (statenews.net)

“I hit a lot of greens today. I think I may have only missed one or two greens. Did make a couple bogeys, but I played well on the par-5s and got off to a good start. I kind of did all the things you need to do around here.”

— Justin Leonard (statenews.net)

What’s next

The tournament will continue with the second and third rounds over the weekend, with the winner to be determined on Sunday.

The takeaway

The strong opening round by veteran Darren Clarke and relative newcomer Michael Wright has set up an intriguing weekend at the Chubb Classic, with the defending champion Justin Leonard also in the mix. The tournament is shaping up to be an exciting competition between the top players on the PGA Tour Champions circuit.