NCGA Hall of Famer Randy Haag already had won 10 NCGA senior titles. Conspicuously missing, however, was the NCGA Senior Championship.

Not anymore.

The now 65-year-old Haag scratched the Senior off his list, carding a 4-under 67 on Wednesday at Poppy Hills to win by two strokes over longtime friend Steve Sears. Along with capturing his 11th NCGA senior title, Haag finished off the NCGA senior triple crown (earlier this year he won the NCGA Senior Four-Ball and Senior Match Play Championship). 

"I'm almost at a loss for words. I can't remember a tournament that I played in where it was this close and I was able to make this many putts," said Haag, who finished with a championship record three-day total of 7-under 206. "It doesn't happen very often so I am over the moon. I had never won this event, so it was sort of stuck in my craw."

Haag is ranked No. 1 in the AmateurGolf.com Super Senior Rankings.

It wasn't easy. Coming to the 17th tee, Haag held a slim one-stroke edge over Sear. Following their tee shots, Sear was just off the green, facing a 15-footer. Haag, meanwhile, was on and looking at a 10-footer. Sears sank his putt to temporarily tie for the lead. Just a minute after, Haag made his putt to maintain his one-shot lead.

A hole later on the 18th, Haag sealed the deal after reaching the green in two and tapping in for a closing birdie. Sear's drive had found the fairway bunker on the left, forcing to layup and settle for a par.

Earlier in the round, Haag made an incredible sand save on the par-3 6th hole after draining a 15-foot putt. 

The two have known each other for over 40 years, having met in past NCGA competitions starting in the 1980's. Sear was the NCGA Player of the Year in 1988 after winning that year's NCGA Amateur at Spyglass Hill. 

A former pro who lives in Nevada, Sear was making his NCGA Senior debut. A week before arriving at Poppy Hills, Sear had won the Nevada Senior Amateur.

"It turned out to be a great match. It was fun to play with a pal that I've known for 40 years," Haag said. "Steve is a phenomenal player. We pushed each other. It was really enjoyable. The course was fabulous. The NCGA just puts on super events."

Competing at times against players a decade younger than himself, Haag attributes his staying power to among other things, Pilates.

"The Pilates has been very helpful to me to keep up my distance. It's just part of the work that goes on behind the scenes," Haag said. "As long as I feel I can compete, I'll be out here."

Third place went to Mark Morgan at 211 following a final round 70.

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