MONTECITO, Calif. — November 12, 2025
Robert Niger capped off three rounds of elite ball-striking with a playoff birdie on the first extra hole, securing the California Senior Amateur Championship at The Valley Club of Montecito. Niger and Santa Barbara’s Bobby Schaeffer both posted a 54-hole total of 11-under 205, forcing the first playoff in the event since the rotation expanded more than a decade ago.
How the Final Round Unfolded
Niger, who opened the week with rounds of 71–66, produced another steady performance with a 68 in Wednesday’s final round. He turned at 35 before igniting his back nine with birdies at Nos. 12, 15, and 17, giving himself the clubhouse lead at 205.
Schaeffer, playing with immense home-course comfort, countered with a 67 that included a fearless finish. After making bogey at No. 15, he rallied with clutch birdies at 16 and 18, the final circle dropping from outside 12 feet to tie Niger and force the playoff.
The Playoff
The two returned to the par-4 1st hole, where Niger found the fairway and flighted a crisp wedge inside 10 feet. Schaeffer’s approach finished on the fringe, and after his birdie try missed, Niger buried the putt to clinch the championship.
Full-Field Movers
Mike Rowley closed with a strong 67 to finish solo third at 8-under 208. Former champion Craig Davis and NCGA Senior Player of the Year Steve Sear tied for fourth at 7-under 209. A tightly packed group finished at 2-under 214, including Mike Stieler (65), Tim Hogarth (69), Mark Nickeas (70), Dan Sullivan (72), and John Adams (74).
Final Leaderboard — 54 Holes
| Pos. | Player | To Par | R1 | R2 | R3 | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | Robert Niger (Roseville, CA) | -11 | 71 | 66 | 68 | 205 | Won on first playoff hole |
| 2 | Bobby Schaeffer (Santa Barbara, CA) | -11 | 72 | 66 | 67 | 205 | Runner-up (playoff) |
| 3 | Mike Rowley (San Luis Obispo, CA) | -8 | 71 | 70 | 67 | 208 | |
| T4 | Craig Davis (Chula Vista, CA) | -7 | 71 | 68 | 70 | 209 | |
| T4 | Steve Sear (Washoe Valley, NV) | -7 | 73 | 67 | 69 | 209 | |
| T6 | Mike Stieler (Ripon, CA) | -2 | 75 | 74 | 65 | 214 | |
| T6 | Tim Hogarth (Northridge, CA) | -2 | 74 | 71 | 69 | 214 | |
| T6 | Mark Nickeas (Thousand Oaks, CA) | -2 | 77 | 67 | 70 | 214 | |
| T6 | Dan Sullivan (Pasadena, CA) | -2 | 68 | 74 | 72 | 214 | |
| T6 | John Adams (San Clemente, CA) | -2 | 69 | 71 | 74 | 214 |
Champion’s Performance by Round
Robert Niger — 71, 66, 68 (205)
Final round highlights: birdies at 2, 4, 12, 15, 17; key par save on 18.
Runner-Up Performance by Round
Bobby Schaeffer — 72, 66, 67 (205)
Final round highlights: birdies at 1, 4, 10, 13, 16, 18; the 18th-hole birdie forced the playoff.
Niger now joins an elite list of California Senior Amateur champions and adds another accomplishment to a season already defined by consistent, high-level senior golf.