Gregory Sato and Doug Williams (Photo from Keith Brown)
Heading into the final round three shots back of the leader,
Gregory Sato of South Pasadena, Calif., knew he needed to put in a good number to give himself a shot.
Sato did exactly that, shooting a final round 3-under 69 to win the 2023 Ojai Senior Cup at Soule Golf Club in Ojai, Calif.
"As the week began, I felt my game was trending in the right direction," Sato said. "It was nothing spectacular, just noticeable consistency. I drove the ball reasonably well, hit decent approaches, and, of course, was fortunate enough to make some crucial putts."
Sato added, "It's been a wonderful week."
Sato entered the final round three shots behind 2020 champion
Dan Sullivan and a 3-under start through the first five holes opened up the door for him.
"It was really a process-driven mindset," Sato said. "I definitely felt like I was within striking distance, but at the same time, I didn't want to focus on anything beyond my control."
Sato shot rounds of 69-71-69 and was one of only two golfers to shoot under par in all three rounds.
Sato made a birdie on the final hole, a par-5, to jump to the top of the leaderboard.
"I didn't know 7-under would be the winning number, but I knew I was close to the lead, and I absolutely knew a birdie on (No.) 18 would help the cause," Sato said.
Sato recorded six birdies and three bogeys in the final round.
2019 champion
Tim Hogarth of Northridge, Calif.,
John Derrick of Waco, Tex.,
Robert Funk of Canyon Lake, Calif, and Sullivan all finished T2 at 6-under. Sullivan started the day with the lead at 7-over but shot a final round 1-over 73.
Neal Barfield finished T6. Barfield was the first-round leader after shooting a 7-under 65, a tournament single-round record.
In the Super Senior Division,
Doug Williams of Los Angeles, Calif., shot 1-under to win the championship by two shots. Williams shot rounds of 71-72-72 to show off his consistency throughout the three days. Williams went wire-to-wire with his win.
"I would like to extend my gratitude to the tournament chairman Keith Brown and his dedicated team for hosting such a memorable event," Sato said. "A special mention to Soule Park and its superintendent for a commendable effort."
ABOUT THE Ojai Senior Cup
Growing event that aims to become one of
the top Senior
Amateur Championships on the West Coast.
Top players such as Tim Hogarth and Dan Sullivan
have
already put their names on the trophy.
Played at a classic golf
course located in the beautiful destination
location of Ojai, California.
54-hole competition with Senior (55+, 7.4 max
index) and Super Senior (65+, 8.0 max index)
Divisions. Those aged 65+ may choose to play in the
Senior Division.
View Complete Tournament Information