Pauma Valley Country Club
(SCGA Photo)
PAUMA VALLEY, CA (November 7, 2017) - Two rounds are in the books at the 26th California Senior Championship at Pauma Valley Country Club and the coveted title is up for grabs.
After an opening 18 holes that saw the course yield only one round under par all day, it was more of the same during the championship’s penultimate round.
As the sun rose on another glorious day in San Diego County, John Mack held a two shot lead over a lurking pack of California’s best senior players representing both the NCGA and the SCGA.
When the dust settled on day two, Don DuBois’ and his model of consistency found themselves atop the leaderboard, maintaining a one shot cushion over Mack.
DuBois followed up his first round even-par 71 with an impressive 1-under 70 that included three birdies and only two bogeys.
“I just went out there and played my game,” said DuBois. “Hitting it straight, placing the approach shots on the green and keeping everything in front of me is what I tried to do.”
A three round tournament tests not only a player’s skill but their stamina as well.
“I know I have to come out and play well tomorrow,” said DuBois. “Third round will be tough and I’m sure I won’t be the only one feeling tired come the back nine.”
On DuBois’ tail is Mack, who shot a 2-over 73 to put himself one shot back, and Mark Morgan who was one of three players in red figures on the day, who finds himself two behind.
The annual North/South Challenge Cup, which is a two-day team event between the NCGA and the SCGA with three players representing each squad, the best two scores from each side are counted each day with the lowest team total grabbing the cup.
This year, the drama came down the 18th hole. With the match all square, SCGA’s Craig Davis was eyeing a 60-footer for par. With a devious final hole pin location in the back left of the green, Davis gave his putt a rolled and hoped for the best. A few moments later, his ball miraculously found the bottom of the cup. Unbeknownst to him, Davis had just secured the cup.
Representing the NCGA were Tony Padilla, Randy Haag and Casey Boyns while the victorious SCGA team was compromised of Davis, John Pate and Michael Rowley.
Final round times begin at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow.
ABOUT THE
California Senior Amateur
The California Senior Amateur Championship began
in the fall of 1992, and is the state championship for
players age 55 and over. The first two tournaments
were played at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. In 1994,
the event was moved to Poppy Hills Golf Course in
Pebble Beach, and in 1995, a simultaneous NCGA vs.
SCGA team portion of the championship was added.
Starting in 2010 this 54-hole stroke play
championship will rotate to selected courses
throughout the state. Players must have an index of
7.4 or less and may attempt to qualify at any
location in the state.
View Complete Tournament Information