36-hole co-leader Randy Haag
(NCGA Photo)

This time around, Haag will be joined by another legend, Gary Vanier. Boyns is not playing due to a schedule conflict.

Haag and Vanier, both members at Olympic Club, will enter the final round tied for the 36-hole lead at 1-under 141 after rounds of 71 and 72, respectively on Thursday at par-71 Poppy Hills Golf Course. Haag, in search of his first NCGA Senior Championship win, posted three birdies and three bogeys on what was another spectacular day of pristine weather. Vanier, who’s looking to join the list of three-time winners of the event, posted two birdies and three bogeys, all on the front-nine. On the back, the 2009 and 2013 champion had nine pars.

Joining Haag and Vanier in the final threesome will be Winchester CC member Tony Padilla. Coming off a first round 72, Padilla shot a 70 to put him at a two-day total of 142. Also at 142, just one stroke behind the co-leaders, is Granite Bay GC member Jeff Hoffman and Olympic Club member Mike Staskus. Hoffman, winner of this year’s NCGA Senior Valley Amateur, had a second round 70. Staskus shot his second straight 71.

First round leader Bruce Hanavan slipped to a 76, but is still within striking range at 144.

The cutline (low 33 and ties) came at 14-over 156. Friday’s final round will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the leaders going off at 9:10 a.m.

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