Alan Sorensen of Buena Vista Golf Course in Taft captured the Southern California PGA Senior Championship for the second time in four years, making a birdie on the second playoff hole to turn back Mike Fergin of Mesa Verde Golf Club in Costa Mesa at Soboba Springs Golf Course in San Jacinto.
Sorensen and Fergin, the 2018 winner, both finished at 69-69—138, six-under-par, and made pars on the first extra hole before Sorensen hit a brilliant bunker shot to win with a tap-in birdie on the second playoff hole.
“I’m very surprised to win this championship,” said Sorensen, who also claimed the title in 2017. “I was 6-under through 11 holes and felt like I was cruising until I lost a ball on the 12th hole. I was fortunate to pull it together coming down the stretch and get myself into the playoff.
“I’m looking forward to representing the SCPGA at the Senior PPC in Florida. I’ve played the course before and feel comfortable with where my game is at right now. Plus, this year my wife has already told me that we will be driving there, so I’m excited for the whole experience.”
Sorensen is one of 14 pros who will represent the SCPGA in the 2020 Senior PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Oct. 15-18.
Chi Choi of Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point shot 70-69—139 to tie for third with Scott Mallory of Journey at Pechanga Resort Golf Club in Temecula, who finished at 69-70—139, and first-round leader Rick Garboski of Golf Development Complex in Moorpark, who wound up at 67-72—139, while 2013 champion Chris Starkojann of Carlsbad Golf Center was sixth at 69-71—140.
Barry Mahlberg of Stadium Golf Center in San Diego posted a score 72-69—141 to tie for seventh with David Podas of Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles, who finished at 71-70—141, and Dale Abraham of Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, who also totaled 71-70—141, while Chad Sorensen of Buena Vista Golf Club was 10th at 70-72—142.
Also qualifying for the Senior PPC were Paul Holtby of Golf Developmental Complex, who shot 74-69—143 to tie for 11th with Brad Stormon of the Golf Club at Rancho California in Murrieta, who finished at 72-71—143, while Paul Dietsche of Redlands Country Club wound up at 73-72—145 to tie for 13th with 2016 winner Gary Sowinski of the Hodges Golf Learning Center in Escondido, who came in at 70-75—145.
Defending champion Jeff Hart of Del Mar Golf Center tied for 16th at 70-76—146.
For complete results, visit https://scpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/scpga20/event/scpga20129/contest/1/leaderboard.htm
