Valuck holds on for SOS Founders Cup title

CARLSBAD, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2018) – Jonathan Valuck held on for the SOS Founders Cup title even as his chasers charged in the final round. Valuck’s final-round 75 was enough for him to log a five-shot victory at La Costa Resort and Spa’s Champions Course.

Valuck had a low-key day with just three bogeys on his card and the rest pars. It followed rounds of 76-72 to start the week, and left Valuck at 7 over for the tournament. The Oklahoma City, Okla., resident was fourth at this event a year ago. His win this week comes on the heels of three top-15 finishes in senior events: a T-11 at the Senior Azalea, a T-6 at the Hesler and a fifth at the U.S. Senior Challenge.

Behind Valuck, runner-up Ken Weixel tied for the low round of the day with 63. It left him at 12 over, tied for second with Steven Hakes. Larry Nunez was fourth three shots back. First-round leader Bob Beck finished an eventual T-5 at 16 over. Robin Bradbury was also on that number after matching Weixel’s final-round 63.

Scott Parker of La Quinta, Calif., won the super senior division with a 7-over total as well. His rounds were identical to Valuck’s: 76-72-75. Jay Blumenfeld of Parsippany, N.J., was second at 12 over.

Ron Johnson of Walnut Creek, Calif., won the grand master division with a 3-over 2019 total. The highlight of Johnson’s week was a final-round 3-under 69.

ROUND TWO

Jonathan Valuck moved into the lead at the SOS Founders Cup on Tuesday at Omni La Costa Resort’s Legends Course. The Oklahoma City, Okla., native leap-frogged first-round leader Bob Beck and will take a two-shot lead into the final round.

Valuck opened with a 4-over 76 that left him part of a four-way tie for second. On Tuesday, he came back with even-par 72. Steven Hakes of San Diego is two shots back after rounds of 76-74. Beck is three more shots behind that in third after falling to a 79 in his second round.

Ken Weixel of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., was also part of that tie for second after an opening 76, and came back with a 79 to stay within striking distance.

In the super senior division, Scott Parker of La Quinta, Calif., also had rounds of 76-72 to lead at 4-over 148. His closest pursuer is Rick Doebler of Fullerton, Calif., who stands at 8 over after rounds of 77-75.

Jack Ramsey leads the grand master division at 6-over 150 after rounds of 74-76.

ROUND ONE

It was a fast start but a slow finish for Bob Beck in the opening round of the SOS Founders Cup. Starting on No. 10, Beck made the turn at La Costa Resort and Spa in 3 under, but it was a much different story by the time he reached No. 6 tee.

Beck logged a double, a triple and a bogey in his opening five holes but rebounded with two birdies to reach 2 over 74. Beck tied for ninth at this event last year. So far in 2018, he has logged top-25 finishes at the Hesler, the Society of Seniors Spring Classic and the Gateway Senior Invitational.

That opening 74 was still enough to leave Beck, an Allentown, Pa., resident, with a two-shot lead on four players tied for second. Behind Beck, Steven Hakes, Larry Nunez, Jonathan Valuck and Ken Weixel all had rounds of 76 to sit within striking distance of the lead.

Sean Forey of Morrison, Colo., leads the super senior division also with 74. It was just a much less colorful round as Forey matched four birdies with six bogeys.

Jack Ramsey and Ron Johnson logged rounds of 74 as well to stand tied atop the grand master division.