Hanzel dominates SOS Super Senior Championship

Succeeding in golf often requires a short memory and the ability to bounce back after disappointment. A week after a second place finish in the U.S. Senior Amateur, Doug Hanzel showed his resilience and resolve. He won the Society of Seniors Super Senior National Championship at Long Cove Club in Hilton Head, S.C. by six shots.

Over 54 holes, the Savannah, Ga. resident played just six holes over par and made 13 birdies. Hanzel's opening round announced his intention, as he came out firing with a 67, including five birdies in his first ten holes.

Unlike his closest competitors, Hanzel backed up his first round 67 with another under par round of 69. His score of 6 under after 36 holes gave Hanzel a five shot lead. Chip Lutz, Jupiter, Fla., found himself in second place and hoping to close the formidable gap.

Chip Lutz and Doug Hanzel (SOS photo)

Lutz played well and shot even par; however, Hanzel remained in complete control and shot his third straight subpar round to reach 7 under. The win was capped off with birdies on hole Nos. 15 and 17. Lutz was the only other player in the red at the end of the tournament. Six players finished in third place at 4 over.

It's been an impressive year for Hanzel. In addition to his runner-up finish in the U.S. Senior Amateur and six other top ten finishes, Hanzel won the National Senior Hall of Fame championship and the National Father-Son Invitational for the seventh time. This is Hanzel's fifth Society of Seniors victory since October, 2019. He is ranked third in the AGC/Golfweek Senior rankings. In addition, he is the top ranked super senior in our Super Senior rankings.