Tanner Makimoto of Roseville captured the 20th California State Fair Mid-Amateur Championship, formerly known as the State Fair Masters Championship, by one stroke over 2020 champion Juan Gonzalez of Antelope with a birdie on the final hole at Bing Maloney Golf Course in Sacramento.
Makimoto, whose last victory came in the 2011 Plumas Lake Amateur, led most of the way by posting a score of 66-71—137, 7-under-par, making seven birdies on the first 14 holes of the opening round, while Gonzalez finished second at 69-69—138, and Derick Strain of Arbuckle was third at 69-70—139.
Gonzalez, who won the 2022 Davis City Championship and the 2020 Sacramento City Amateur, pulled even with Makimoto with a birdie on the 17th hole in the final round after Makimoto seemed to take total control with an eagle at No. 14, but hit a wild drive three holes later en route to a double-bogey 6 to fall back into a tie for the lead with Gonzales.
However, Makimoto hit a brilliant approach shot on the final hole and sank a four-foot putt to claim the victory and earn a spot in the California State Fair Men’s Amateur Golf Championship at Alister Mackenzie Golf Course at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento on Labor Day weekend.
Keith Osaki of Sacramento was fourth at 68-72—140, while Scott Stevens of Encinitas shot 74-68—142 to tie for fifth with Rocklin Shaw of Carmichael, who finished at 70-72—142, Eric Morgan of Rocklin, who also wound up at 70-72—142, and Tighe Hammam of Sacramento, who totaled 69-73—142.
Jody Hack of Sacramento shot 70-73—143 to tie for ninth with Thomas Steinhoff of Colusa, who came in a 69-74—143.
Defending champion Alvarado Estrada of Sacramento tied for 27th at 71-77—148.
For complete results, visit https://sgc-2022statefairmidamchampionship.golfgenius.com/pages/8077398567012009813
