Smith (71-73-75—219) missed a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole Wednesday that would have sent the two into a playoff, but the ball lipped out and McArdle (72-72-74—218) had his second straight title.

"I ‘frittered’ it away on the 15th," Smith said after making a critical three-putt bogey from 18 feet. "However, I hit the ball as well as I’ve hit it all year today."

McArdle, who played steady, but not spectacular golf, all day, was convinced he was out of contention as he stood on the par-5 18th tee with a driver in his hand. It wasn’t until his caddy informed him he was tied for the lead that he put away the driver and pulled out a 3-wood – a move that helped him make par and secure the title.

The Senior Amateur is the only MGA tournament McArdle plans to compete in this year – due in large part to his recent move to Palm Coast, Fla. However, McArdle’s also been busy with another hobby this summer – caddying for his daughter, Chrissie, who is fresh off a win at the Minnesota Women’s State Amateur Championship.

"I’m happy to be back to defend this title, playing with good friends," said McArdle who played with pals Pat Vincelli of Brackett’s Crossing Country Club (74-73-73—220) and Robert Leaf of Hazeltine National Golf Club (74-73-74—221). "It’s just fun to compete against your friends."

For McArdle, it’s his third straight MGA championship. After winning last year’s MGA Senior Amateur, he paired up with Larry Barnacle of White Bear Yacht Club and won the MGA Senior Four-Ball Championship.

McArdle is the first Senior Amateur champion to repeat since Roy Windstrom of Gross Golf Club turned the trick in 1975 when he won his third title in a row.

Final round results - 2005 Minnesota Golf Association Senior Amateur Championship August 29-31, 2005 Windsong Farm Golf Club, Independence, Minn.

Richard McArdle, Olympic Hills Golf Club, 72-72-74—218 Tom Smith, Brackett's Crossing Country Club, 71-73-75—219 Pat Vincelli, Brackett's Crossing Country Club, 74-73-73—220 Robert Leaf, Hazeltine National Golf Club, 74-73-74—221 Tom Farrell, North Oaks Golf Club, 72-77-72—221 Ray Sauer, Tianna Country Club, 72-72-78—222 Larry Barnacle, White Bear Yacht Club, 76-74-72—222 Ron Clayton, Waseca Lakeside Club, 72-71-81—224 Michael Fermoyle, Hastings Country Club, 77-73-75—225 Pat Mcbride, Hoyt Lakes Golf Course, 75-76-75—226 Richard Blooston, Edina Country Club, 73-79-75—227 Robert Griesgraber, Indian Hills Golf Club, 72-77-78—227 Richard Anderson, Interlachen CC, 72-78-78—228 Tom Ihnot, Hastings Country Club, 77-74-78—229 Richard Brozo, Rush Creek Golf Club, 73-78-79—230 John Berger, Northfield Golf Club, 78-74-78—230 John Christopherson, Edina Country Club, 73-75-83—231 Edward Griffin, Minikahda Club, 78-72-81—231 Dan Nitz, Waseca Lakeside Club, 74-78-79—231 Ken Schweiger, Mendakota Country Club, 73-79-79—231 R.J. Smiley, Hardwood's Golf Club, 75-76-83—234 Dennis Kowalski, Hiawatha Golf Club, 80-70-85—235 Greg Harvey, Bunker Hills Golf Club, 72-75-89—236 Gene Parr, Hiawatha Golf Club, 77-75-86—238