Such was the case on Sunday at the inaugural Soboba Springs Senior Challenge in San Jacinto, Calif., where the Northern California Golf Hall of Famer shot a final-round 67 to edge Dennis Martin for the title.
Starting his final round on the second hole, Haag drew within a shot of Martin and Lindstrom with birdies on his third and sixth holes and took a one-shot lead with consecutive birdies on his 12th and 13th holes. Playing a ground in front of Haag, Lindstrom pulled even with a birdie of his own on the 14th hole but slipped one back after making a bogey on the 16th.
You don't win a record six NCGA Player of the Year Awards over three decades without knowing how to close out golf tournaments.
Now nursing a one-stroke lead with two holes remaining, Haag increased his lead to three shots with an eagle on the par 5 18th (his 17th) which provided enough of a cushion to withstand a bogey on his final hole for a final round of 67.
At 5-under 211, Haag earned a one-stroke victory over Martin, who also eagled the 18th hole, and was two clear of Lindstrom, who shot three consecutive rounds of 71 to finish at 3-under 213.
"I hit maybe one of the best shots of my life into 18 to set up an eagle," said Haag. "I had 202 yards to the pin - 185 of which was over water. I hit a six iron and it just soared up the mountain and I watched it roll a foot and a half from the hole.
"Winning certainly never gets old, especially at my age."
In the Super Senior Division, David Ujihara carded a final round 72 to earn a four-stroke victory over Jeff Gipner.
