Brad Shaw

Today, Shaw captured his second George C. Thomas title in four years, against a field of not only his home club's best, but a number of nationally ranked mid-ams as well. Trailing by two heading into the final round, Shaw put up the tournament's low score, a 4-under 66. That was good for a 54-hole total of 2-under 209.

"I prefer stroke play, all day," joked Shaw.

Playing in the second to last mid-am group with his close friend and Los Angeles CC member Jerry Chang, the comfort level was high right from the get-go.

"We try to get paired together in the Club Championship [qualifying portion] since we both play fast and like to go out early," said Shaw.

Today they didn't choose their pairing, but it certainly worked out well, as Shaw went out in 2- under on the front nine and started to feel good about his chances despite a bogey at the downhill par-3 11th. He took advantage of a forward-placed tee on the par-5 14th, (making it 499 yards) hit the green in two and two-putted for birdie. Then a nice wedge into the postage stamp par 3 15th wound up 12 feet away and he converted that to get back to 3- under on the day.

After finding the middle of the fairway on No. 16, Shaw short sided himself into some heavy fescue short and right of the green and holed out for birdie. The day was starting to feel special.

"After hitting a gap wedge off the toe, I got a little lucky with the lie on 16," said Shaw. "I didn't want to get too cute, just get it down the hill and it rolled out perfectly."

Solid second shots that found the green on Nos. 17 and 18 left Shaw thirty foot putts for birdie -- he two putted both of them to post 66 and 209 for the tournament. Finishing behind him were Michael Castleforte of Chicago (2-over 213) and Scott McGihon of Palm Desert (3-over 214).

LACC Member Mark Sear and Ryan Abbate of Florida both made aces on the 15th hole in the final round.

SENIOR DIVISION

The Senior Division also drew some top names from around the U.S. -- guys like Grady Brame and Eddie Lyons from Louisiana, Met Section (NY) legend George Zahringer, and a former U.S. Open qualifier named Dave Nelson, from Reno.

Nelson, who found his way to the top of the leaderboard after a solid second round, put up a 68 to emerge from the pack, just like Shaw did in the Mid-Am division. At 2-over 213 for the tournament, Nelson's score was 5 clear of the runners-up.

Nelson started birdie-birdie-par, but gave the red numbers back with a double on the par-3 4th. He "bounced back" with a birdie at No. 5, shot 35 on the front nine, and came home with a 33, which was capped off by a birdie at No. 18.

Zahringer and Brady Exber tied for second at 218.