Men’s Championship: Hayden caps improbable run with 3&2 victory

The Men’s Championship final featured two unlikely finalists in Joey Hayden (21) and Will Hardy (26), both of whom navigated a deep and unpredictable bracket to reach Sunday’s title match.

After a tightly contested opening 18 holes that saw momentum swing back and forth, the match remained highly competitive into the second round. Hayden gradually took control on the back side of the second 18, applying steady pressure and capitalizing on key opportunities.

He ultimately closed out the match with a 3&2 victory, securing the championship with two holes to play.

The win caps a remarkable week for Hayden, who defeated multiple top seeds—including medalist Alexander Thu—on his way to the title. Entering match play as the No. 21 seed, Hayden’s run stands as one of the standout stories of the 2026 championship.

Venturi Flight: Grauman wins tight final over Almajano

The Venturi Flight final provided its own share of drama, with Ryan Grauman (9) edging Matthew Almajano (15) in a closely contested match.

Both players traded momentum throughout the round, with neither able to build a decisive lead. The match remained tight deep into the final holes, reflecting the balance between the two finalists.

In the end, Grauman held on to secure a 1-up victory, claiming the Venturi Flight championship.

Grauman’s steady play throughout the week proved decisive, as he navigated a competitive bracket and delivered when it mattered most in Sunday’s final.

Championship takeaway

The 2026 San Francisco City Championship once again showcased the unpredictable nature of match play at Harding Park.

With both finalists in the Men’s Championship seeded outside the top 20, the bracket proved that seeding offers no guarantees once match play begins. Execution, patience, and momentum ultimately defined the outcome.

From qualifying through the final putt, the championship delivered a full week of high-level amateur competition—culminating in two deserving champions on Sunday afternoon.