Gregory Sato and Doug Williams (Photo from Keith Brown)
Heading into the final round three shots back of the leader,
Gregory Sato of South Pasadena, Calif., knew he needed to put in a good number to give himself a shot.
Sato did exactly that, shooting a final round 3-under 69 to win the 2023 Ojai Senior Cup at Soule Golf Club in Ojai, Calif.
"As the week began, I felt my game was trending in the right direction," Sato said. "It was nothing spectacular, just noticeable consistency. I drove the ball reasonably well, hit decent approaches, and, of course, was fortunate enough to make some crucial putts."
Sato added, "It's been a wonderful week."
Sato entered the final round three shots behind 2020 champion
Dan Sullivan and a 3-under start through the first five holes opened up the door for him.
"It was really a process-driven mindset," Sato said. "I definitely felt like I was within striking distance, but at the same time, I didn't want to focus on anything beyond my control."
Sato shot rounds of 69-71-69 and was one of only two golfers to shoot under par in all three rounds.
Sato made a birdie on the final hole, a par-5, to jump to the top of the leaderboard.
"I didn't know 7-under would be the winning number, but I knew I was close to the lead, and I absolutely knew a birdie on (No.) 18 would help the cause," Sato said.
Sato recorded six birdies and three bogeys in the final round.
2019 champion
Tim Hogarth of Northridge, Calif.,
John Derrick of Waco, Tex.,
Robert Funk of Canyon Lake, Calif, and Sullivan all finished T2 at 6-under. Sullivan started the day with the lead at 7-over but shot a final round 1-over 73.
Neal Barfield finished T6. Barfield was the first-round leader after shooting a 7-under 65, a tournament single-round record.
In the Super Senior Division,
Doug Williams of Los Angeles, Calif., shot 1-under to win the championship by two shots. Williams shot rounds of 71-72-72 to show off his consistency throughout the three days. Williams went wire-to-wire with his win.
"I would like to extend my gratitude to the tournament chairman Keith Brown and his dedicated team for hosting such a memorable event," Sato said. "A special mention to Soule Park and its superintendent for a commendable effort."
ABOUT THE
Ojai Senior Cup
Recognized as one of the West Coast’s premier Senior Amateur Championships. This prestigious tournament held at the renowned Soule Park Golf Course promises three days of elite competition.
The Cup features 54-holes with two divisions: the Senior Division for golfers aged 55 and above with a max index of 6.5, and the Super Senior Division for golfers aged 65 and above with a max index of 8.5. Past champions include an elite list of Senior Amateurs such as Tim Hogarth, Dan Sullivan, Craig Steinberg, and the 2023 Champion, Greg Sato.
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