SOS Senior Masters: Randy Haag adds to his impressive resume

April 11, 2024 | by Society of Seniors

Randy Haag (Society of Seniors Photo)

Haag exercised past demons, as this is an event he has lost on the final day twice in the past

Randy Haag of Orinda, Calif., came from behind to win the 2024 Senior Masters hosted by Indian Wells Golf Resort, an event he had lost on the final day on the back nine twice in the past, so he enjoyed a bit of redemption this time around.

After a slow start in the final round, Haag was able to make four birdies on the back nine to close out the win in the Senior Division field at 8-under 208. On Wednesday, Haag shot his age for the first time with a 7-under 65.

“Wednesday’s round was just so much fun, capped off by a bomb of a putt on 18 to shoot my age for the first time. The greens here were simply perfect, so you really felt like you could make some putts. To do it in competition was a real bonus. I had a chance to win earlier this week and didn’t get it done, so I’m glad to be able to come from behind today,” said Haag.

Haag is currently No. 10 in the AmateurGolf.com Senior Rankings.

Overnight leader John Derrick of Waco, Tex., also got off to a slow start but closed strong, carding a back-nine 33 and birdies on three of his last four holes to finish runner-up at 7-under 209.

Kevin VandenBerg of Pulaski, N.Y., started out hot, 5-under through eight holes, and took the lead outright, but after bogeys on 10 and 13, the door was open for challengers to attack. Mike Lohner of Southlake, Tex., joined the party in the group of leaders as they went back and forth. Lohner and VandenBerg would end up tied for third place at 6-under 210.

On the final round, Haag said, “John and I both started poorly and Kevin and Mike both played well, Kevin was on fire. He made a little mistake on the back side, and I was able to get some birdies to drop and end up with a little lead coming down the stretch. I thought about playing 18 very conservatively, but Mike was within two, so I thought I better stay on the aggressive side.”

SUPER SENIOR DIVISION

Jerry Hudgins

Jerry Hudgins of Tyler, Tex., shot a final round of 1-over 73 to post a tournament total of 1-under 215, outlasting the field in the Super Senior division and winning by three strokes. Past champion Jeff Burda of Modesto, Calif., posted a final round of 2-over 74 to finish runner-up at 2-over 218.

Defending champion Adam Kugler of Edwards, Colo., was one stroke behind Burda at 219. Mike Arter of Lakeville, Mass., carded the lone final round under par in the Super Senior division with a 1-under round of 71 to join Kugler in a tie for third.

“I got a little bit of food poisoning last night, so I wasn’t feeling very well for about the first five or six holes. I finally got it going a little bit and just played my game. I wasn’t watching any leaderboards, so that was probably to my benefit since it was close all along,” said Hudgins.

“I made some birdies coming down the stretch, and thankfully, it was enough to grab the win. I’ve been coming here for a long time, and it’s always fun seeing everyone, and the course was just in great shape.”

LEGEND DIVISION

Jeffrey Knox

Jeffrey Knox of Jupiter, Fla., fired a final round 3-under 69 to win the Legend division by three over Peter Van Ingen of Palm Beach, Fla. Knox posted a total of 3-under par 213. Van Ingen held the lead for a portion of the final round but could not hold off Knox's birdie onslaught and would have to settle for runner-up at even par 216. Jody Vasquez of La Quinta, Calif., shot a final round 73 to finish in third at 219.

“I played pretty solid, made a few mistakes, a double on 16 hurt, but other than that I was happy with how I played,” said Knox. “Peter played well, he’s a tough competitor and we were going back and forth most of the round. I made some late birdies that ended up being the difference. The course played very firm, but it seemed to play a little longer today for some reason. It’s always fun coming here and just a great venue.”

Gerry Graham

SUPER LEGEND DIVISION

Gerry Graham of Mesa, Ariz., enjoyed some of the best golf of his life through the first two rounds when he stood at 5-under total of 139. Graham overcame a big number on the 10th hole in the final round to post a final round 6-over 78 and total of 217 to win by eight strokes.

Gaylord Davis of Portland, Ore., finished runner-up at 225, while George Dillon of Sun City West, Ariz., finished in third at 226.

“I’ve been coming here for over 20 years, and it’s always such a fun time seeing everyone and competing at this great venue,” said Graham. “The greens were great, and my putting was the difference this week. I have not been 5-under through two tournament rounds in a long time. I had one bad hole on 10 today where I made a snowman, but other than that, it has been my best in quite a while. I’m thankful it was this week at this venue.”

Results: Society of Seniors Senior Masters

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Randy Haag	Orinda, CA	700	72-65-71=208
2	John Derrick	Waco, TX	400	66-70-73=209
T3	Kevin VandenBerg	Pulaski, NY	300	71-70-69=210
T3	Mike Lohner	Southlake, TX	300	71-70-69=210
5	Mark Strickland	Rancho Santa Fe, CA	300	74-70-70=214

View full results for Society of Seniors Senior Masters

About the Society of Seniors Senior Masters

SOS Senior Masters: Randy Haag adds to his impressive resume

54-hole invitational stroke play event for Society of Seniors Members only. The event is held in the California desert around the same time as the tournament's namesake in Augusta. It attracts great senior players from all over the country. Senior, S...