Randy Haag wins first SCGA Senior Amateur in dominating fashion

Randy Haag’s well-stocked trophy case just got a little more crowded after the Northern California Golf Association Hall of Famer traveled south to capture the Southern California Golf Association Senior Amateur championship on Wednesday at La Cumbre Country Club in Santa Barbara.

Haag strung together rounds of 68-67-68 for a winning total of 10-under 203, good for a four-stroke victory over reigning SCGA Senior Player of the Year Craig Davis (Chula Vista), who was looking for his fifth straight SCGA Senior Amateur title.

Haag began the final round with a two-stroke lead over Davis but before the players reached the second tee box, they were tied for the lead after Haag made opened with a bogey while Davis birdied. The bogey on the first perhaps served as a wake-up call for Haag, who proceeded to collect five birdies over the next eight holes to build a seven-shot advantage.

While Haag was just beginning his front nine birdie barrage, Davis ran into trouble on the par-5 sixth hole, making quadruple bogey nine to fall out of contention. After making the turn at 32, Haag for good measure opened his back nine with his sixth birdie of the day and enjoyed a leisurely stroll over the last eight holes en route to winning his first SCGA Senior Amateur Championship.

The win was particularly satisfying for Haag, who squandered a six-shot lead in the final round of this event last year at Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga and finished second to Davis.

“It’s a real honor to come down here and play this great event at a great course,” said the NCGA legend. “I’ve been playing quite well coming into this tournament and it feels really fantastic to get the win, especially after what transpired last year. You don’t forget about something like that real soon.”

Davis rebounded nicely after the disastrous sixth hole to make six birdies coming home to shoot 29 on his inward nine. After closing his front nine with a birdie, the former Arizona Wildcat carried over the momentum to the backside where he collected birdies on holes 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 18 for a final round of 70.

“Craig is a great guy and a great champion,” said Haag. “I’m just happy I had a large lead because his 29 on the back nine was something to behold. He made every putt and chipped in once. It was awesome to watch.

Mike Rowley (San Luis Obispo) finished third after carding a final round 70 to finish seven strokes back at 3-under 210. At 1-under 212, Mark Nickeas, a lefthander from Westlake Village, was the only other golfer to finish under par for the 54-hole event.