Christopher Evans of Bermuda Dunes led virtually wire-to-wire to win the Southern California Open for the second time in three years by three strokes over Riley Elmes of Lake Oswego, Ore.
The tournament was played at Indian Wells Golf Resort and Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert.
Evans took a three-stroke lead to the final round and didn’t let up, making two birdies on the first six holes and adding two more on the back nine to remain in control.
“Feeling on top of the world,” said Evans, who also claimed the title in 2018. “Super grateful to hoist this trophy for the second time. It’s one of the oldest professional championships in the United States and it’s an honor. There are a lot of big names that have won this Open over the years.
Evans posted a score of 64-64-69—197, 19-under-par, while Elmes finished at 67-68-65—200, and Sahith Theegala of Chino Hills and Pepperdine shot 69-67-66—202 to tie for third with Derek Castillo of Yorba Linda, who wound up at 64-69-69—202.
Garrett Boe of Clovis totaled 66-70-67—203 to finish in a big tie for fifth with Jared Sawanda of Miliani, Hawaii (69-68-66—203), Matthew Liringis of Chandler, Ariz. (70-67-66—203), Ryan Plodkowski of San Diego (66-69-68—203), and Drew McCullough of Richland, Wash. (66-67-70—203).
Nick Cantlay of Los Alamitos shot 65-71-68—204 to wind up in a tie for 10th with Logan Holt of Phoenix (70-67-67—204), Daniel Yang of San Diego (68-68-68—204), David Kim of Buena Park (67-69-68—204), Josh Anderson of Murrieta (68-68-68—204), and Samuel Cyr of La Jolla (66-65-73—204).
Defending champion Colin Featherstone of Vista tied for 23rd at 70-65-71—206.
Previous winners if the tournament, which dates to 1913, include Gene Littler, Billy Casper, George Bayer, Ken Venturi, Al Geiberger, Curtis Sifford, Lloyd Mangrum, Smiley Quick, Ellsworth Vines, Jack Burke, George Von Elm, Willie Hunter, Ed Fiori, Leo Diegel, Olin Dutra, Jason Gore, John Mallinger, Dave Barber, Bruce McCormick and Jim Ferrier.
For complete results, visit https://scpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/scpga20/event/scpga2042/contest/9/leaderboard.htm
