Senior Division winner Craig Steinberg
(Photo Courtesy of Ron Gaines)
LA QUINTA, CA (April 7, 2018) - It took a playoff but in the end it was a comeback victory for Craig Steinberg at the Golfweek Senior Amateur.
Beginning the final round at PGA West's Stadium Course 3-over (76-71) and four shots off the lead Steinberg took a circuitous route to the top of the leaderboard. Most final round charges begin with some early birdies but Steinberg, who carded a 4-under 68 on Saturday thought starting with a pair of bogeys would make things a bit more interesting.
Now 5-over for the tournament, Steinberg, finally started to make his move with a birdie on the 3rd, the beginning of a 7-under in 14 hole stretch that moved the Agoura Hills, CA native to 2-under. The run came to an abrupt end with a bogey on the last that left Steinberg at 1-under and still in need of some help.
Despite the run it still seemed as if Steinberg was going to come up well short but then the unthinkable happened. Second round leader Scott Smith stepped to the final tee 4-under and in prime position, only to triple-bogey the last and fall to 1-under and into a playoff.
The closing hole triple undid what had otherwise been a comfortable three birdie, one bogey final round for Smith. In the end Smith signed for a 4-1-over 73.
Pegged with a second chance at life, Steinberg took advantage winning the playoff on the first extra hole.
Jeff New ended up one shot out a playoff at even-par, Murph Mitchell at 4-over was fourth while Peter DeTemple and Steven Hudson were 5-over in fifth.
In the Super Senior Division Robert Hess hung on for a one shot win. Hess, 4-under, closed in even-par 72 and used late birdies on Nos. 16 and 17 to ensure his victory.
Paul Schlachter took third at 3-under while the 2-under Jeff Burda was third.
The Legends Division went to a playoff as well with John Seehausen outlasting Richard Hunt on the first hole. Both players finished regulation 6-over.
John Richart was third and one shot out of the playoff at 7-over.
ABOUT THE
Golfweek Senior Amateur
Golfweek Senior Amateur is a premier event
for Seniors (55+), Super Seniors (65+), Legends (70+)
and Super Legends (75+)
with a handicap index or 8 or less.
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