Craig Steinberg (SCGA photo)
MURRIETA, CA (August 8, 2018) - The SCGA Senior Match Play Championship pitted two decorated SCGA veterans against one another in a battle at Bear Creek GC in Murrieta.
Craig Steinberg, a four-time SCGA Amateur Champion, SCGA Mid-Amateur Champion and SCGA Public Links Champion, clawed out two straight 1up victories before a 2&1 triumph over Daniel Sivadge to earn his spot in the final.
Robert Funk, the low amateur at the 2017 U.S. Senior Open and member at Bear Creek GC, took out defending champion Craig Davis in the semifinals 6&5, setting up the final head-to-head matchup.
Steinberg, a member at North Ranch CC, jumped out to a 2up lead after three holes and looked to be in full command. Funk couldn’t get the putter going on the front nine and found himself in a 3down hole after eight holes.
On the par-5 ninth, Funk left an eagle chip 25 feet short of the pin, leaving himself an uphill swinger. Fresh from the British Senior Amateur, Funk rolled in the remarkable birdie, crawling back to within two at the turn.
Steinberg hit a wayward tee shot on the par-4 10th, leading to a bogey and another lost hole. Just when the wheels began to wobble, Steinberg turned on the jets. He birdied No. 11 and No. 12, draining 25 feet of putts. Steinberg added another birdie on the par-5 No. 14, essentially putting the match of reach. A par at No. 15 sealed the deal and earned Steinberg his first SCGA senior championship.
View results for Southern California Senior Match Play
ABOUT THE Southern California Senior Match Play
The Match Play and Senior Match Play
championships
began in 2008 as a means of bringing new credence
and incentive to the SCGA points program. The
SCGA
points program awards points to golfers who give
strong performances in SCGA, USGA, CGA and other
selected outside tournaments. This Championship is
open to SCGA members ages 55 and above with a
Handicap index of 9.4 or below. Players must qualify
or earn an exemption into the championship field.
The championship format is single-elimination match
play.
View Complete Tournament Information