Greg Sanders, Anthem, AZ
GOLETA, Calif. – Sandpiper Golf Club along the pacific coast provided a supreme setting for the 9th Founders Cup as players enjoyed ideal weather conditions during the first two rounds of competition. During Friday’s final round, however, the wind kicked up with gusts near 30mph and gave the field all it could handle as they navigated the William Bell design for the last time.
Senior Division
Greg Sanders, Anthem, AZ
Greg Sanders, of Anthem, AZ, went wire-to-wire as he held on to win the Senior Division by a stroke over a hard-charging Doug Clapp, of Manomet, MA. Sanders posted a final round of 77 (+5), good enough for a one-over total of 217. Clapp played his final six holes in three under, recording birdies on holes 13 through 15. He just missed a couple of great looks on holes 17 and 18 that would have made things interesting down the stretch in extremely tough scoring conditions. Sanders overcame a few hiccups during the final round, citing some timely up-and-downs to secure his first Society of Seniors victory.
“I drove it really well all week,” said Sanders. “I putted beautifully, and I guess I impressed Tony [Hejna] with a few up-and-downs out there today, so my scrambling was good too. It was a great week at an awesome venue and I’m happy to come away with the win.”
Tony Hejna, of Juno Beach, FL, who had a hole-in-one on Thursday, finished in third place.
Super Senior Division
David Nelson, Littleton, CO
David Nelson, of Littleton, CO, edged out John Pate, of Santa Barbara, by one stroke to win the Super Senior Division. Nelson posted rounds of 72-73-76 for a 221 (+5) total. Nelson started out firing on all cylinders with a birdie to start his round and had it to two-under for most of his first nine. When the wind got stronger, it was time to hold on. Thankfully, he had built enough of a cushion to stay ahead of Pate.
“It was tough out there for sure,” said Nelson. “I really putted well this week and it seemed like I made almost all of my six to eight footers, whether they were for pars or bogeys today. I drove it great as well and just tried to stay away from any big numbers out there.”
Bill Long, of Pinehurst, NC, finished in third place at 225 (+9).
Legend Division
Michael Jonson, Sammamish, WA
Michael Jonson, of Sammamish, WA, was focused on keeping it simple this week while hitting it down the middle and trying to avoid double bogeys. He made two doubles in round one, but then stuck to the gameplan in rounds two and three. He posted 78-73-75 for 226 (+10) to win by three strokes over Mark Weston, of Windermere, FL.
“I was just steady out there today,” said Jonson. “I tried to keep it in play for the most part and not make doubles like I did in the first round. The greens were really difficult this week and with today’s wind, avoiding big numbers was key.”
George Walker, of Fairhope, AL, finished in third place at 230.
Super Legend Division
Gaylord Davis, Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon resident Gaylord Davis cruised to victory on Friday in the Super Legend Division as he posted rounds of 72-73-79 for a total of 224 (+8). Runner-up Jim Saivar, of San Diego, did his best to make things interesting down the stretch as he closed with three birdies in his last five holes. Saivar finished three strokes back at 227 (+11).
“I played pretty solid all week,” said Davis. “I was leaking oil a bit there at the end as Jim was making birdies, so I was glad to keep it together. I was consistent and stayed around par until that final nine. It’s nice to come out on top.”
Robbie Thompson, of Merced, CA, finished in third place at 233 (+17).
Special thanks to the ownership and staff at Sandpiper Golf Club for their generous hospitality in hosting the event. Thanks, as always to Callaway Golf for their sponsorship of the Society of Seniors. The season ending Ralph Bogart Tournament will be held at Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter, FL, on December 8-11.
Event GGID: 24SOS09
