A late eagle leads Randy Haag to Soboba Senior Challenge title
Randy Haag
Randy Haag knows all too well patience and opportunity oftentimes work hand-in-hand in winning golf tournaments.
Such was the case on Sunday at the inaugural Soboba Springs Senior Challenge in San Jacinto, Calif., where the Northern California Golf Hall of Famer shot a final-round 67 to edge
Dennis Martin for the title.
Haag, the two-time defending California Senior Amateur champion, began the day tied for fourth place with Fred Mills at even par, two back of 36-hole leaders Martin and
Jon Lindstrom.
Starting his final round on the second hole, Haag drew within a shot of Martin and Lindstrom with birdies on his third and sixth holes and took a one-shot lead with consecutive birdies on his 12th and 13th holes. Playing a ground in front of Haag, Lindstrom pulled even with a birdie of his own on the 14th hole but slipped one back after making a bogey on the 16th.
You don't win a record six NCGA Player of the Year Awards over three decades without knowing how to close out golf tournaments.
Now nursing a one-stroke lead with two holes remaining, Haag increased his lead to three shots with an eagle on the par 5 18th (his 17th) which provided enough of a cushion to withstand a bogey on his final hole for a final round of 67.
At 5-under 211, Haag earned a one-stroke victory over Martin, who also eagled the 18th hole, and was two clear of Lindstrom, who shot three consecutive rounds of 71 to finish at 3-under 213.
"I hit maybe one of the best shots of my life into 18 to set up an eagle," said Haag. "I had 202 yards to the pin - 185 of which was over water. I hit a six iron and it just soared up the mountain and I watched it roll a foot and a half from the hole.
"Winning certainly never gets old, especially at my age."
In the Super Senior Division,
David Ujihara carded a final round 72 to earn a four-stroke victory over
Jeff Gipner.
ABOUT THE
Soboba Senior Challenge
New in 2023, this is a 54-hole stroke play
tournament
for seniors and super seniors, with WAGR
points
awarded. The tournament will be contested
over three
days at one of Southern California's top
casino-owned
courses.
View Complete Tournament Information