California Senior Amateur: Craig Davis comes from behind to win

November 8, 2023 | by Northern California Golf Association

Craig Davis (NCGA Photo)

Davis shot a bogey-free 4-under 68 to force a playoff with Paul Smith.

Chula Vista resident Craig Davis has had special things happen at Red Hill Country Club before.

Back in 2020, Davis wrapped up this fourth straight SCGA Senior Amateur title at the Inland Empire layout.

On Wednesday, Davis performed magic there again.

He'd post a final round 4-under 68, the low round of the championship, and later defeated Paul Smith in a sudden-death playoff to claim the 2023 California Senior Amateur Championship.

When it counted the most, Davis was at his best. In the final round, he'd post four birdies with zero bogeys. Three of the birdies came in succession from holes Nos. 12-14.

Smith, from Oxnard, carded a final round 70. Davis would clinch the victory on the third hole of the playoff.

Tim Hogarth of Simi Valley shot a 70 to finish solo third at 213.

Olympic Club member Randy Haag, who was going for a three-peat, carded a final round 72 to finish T-4 at 215 with Ron Ewing.

Results: California Senior Amateur

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Craig Davis	Chula Vista, CA	700	70-74-68=212
2	Paul Smith	Ventura, CA	400	71-71-70=212
3	Tim Hogarth	Northridge, CA	300	69-74-70=213
T4	Randy Haag	Orinda, CA	300	73-70-72=215
T4	Ron Ewing	Atwater, CA	300	70-72-73=215

View full results for California Senior Amateur

About the California Senior Amateur

California Senior Amateur: Craig Davis comes from behind to win

The California Senior Amateur Championship began in the fall of 1992, and is the state championship for players age 55 and over. The first two tournaments were played at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. In 1994, the event was moved to Poppy Hills Golf Cour...