Dennis Martin breaks through and wins the SOS Founders Cup

Dennis Martin arrived at the Golf Club at Dove Mountain with a strong resume. This year he's steadily improved his finishes, and now he can add a victory to his 2022 season. The Los Angeles native won the Society of Seniors Founders Cup with a 1-over par score, beating David Nelson by by three shots.

During the three rounds, Martin made his hay on the front nine. He played it in 5-under par. He started the tournament with birdies on hole Nos. 1-3. The third round started with Martin and others bunched near the top of the leaderboard. Stephen Maddalena, Jackson, Miss., led after two rounds at 1-under par. Runner-up Nelson was even par. And Martin was two shots back at 1-over par.

Among the top 11 finishers, Martin shot the lowest score by four shots. Maddalena shot a 78 to slide back into a third place finish. His opening 40 on the front nine, and four birdies throughout the round couldn't erase two double bogeys and five bogeys.

Martin's round was less chaotic than his competitors. He made eight pars and one birdie on the front nine, leaping him to the top of the leaderboard at even par at the turn. In the end, Martin was able to cruise home to victory with a 72 when scores were high.

In the super senior division, Jim McNeils, Gig Harbor, Wash., held off a late charge Donald Reycroft, Chadler, Ariz. McNeils shot 76-72-76 for a 8-over par total and a one shot victory. Jody Vasquez shot 8-over par to win the legends division by a shot over Evan Long. Vasquez shot a 73 in the final round to turn the tables on Long, who finished with a 76.

Robert Culp, Savannah, Ga., played exceptional golf to win the grand master division by nine shots. Culp shot 73 and 72 in the opening two rounds to build a comfortable lead. His third round 80 was the best round in the division on a tough scoring day.