Jeff Wilson of Fairfield struggled a bit, but held onto his one-stroke lead in the 27th California Senior Amateur Championship heading to the final round.
The 55-year-old Wilson posted a 1-over-par 73 and is one shot ahead of Randy Haag of Orinda after 36 holes at The Preserve Golf Club https://www.santaluciapreserve.com/tom-fazio-golf-course in Carmel.
Wilson, who captured the United States Senior Amateur Championship in August, carded a 36-hole score of 69-73—142, 2-under-par, while Haag is second at 70-73—143, followed by John Pate of Santa Barbara at 70-74—144 and Craig Calkins of Manhattan Beach at 75-70—145.
Pate, who won the Cal Senior Amateur in 2014 and 2016, is trying to join Jim McMurtrey (1994-95-98) and Jeff Burda 2008-09-10) as the only three-time winners of the tournament.
Gary Vanier of Walnut Creek, who won the title in 2007, finished at 75-71—146 and is in a big tie for fifth with Donald O’Connor (75-71)—146 of McKinney, Texas; Greg Havro (71-75—146) of Claremont; Bruce Hanavan (71-75—146) of San Anselmo; David Oas (71-75—146) of Carlsbad; John DeSantis (76-70—146) of Salinas, and Mike Rowley (72-74—146) of San Luis Obispo.
The field of 90 was cut to 30 for the final round and defending champion Mark Morgan of Shingle Springs was among those missing out at by one stroke at 76-76—152.
In the annual Senior Cup, with three players from the Northern California Golf Association competing against a trio from the Southern California Golf Association, the NCGA has a one-stroke lead with a score of 142-149—291, 3-over, while the SCGA is at 148-144—292.
The best two of three scores are counted each day in the team competition, with Haag, Knoll and Morgan competing for the NCGA against Burda (76-71—147, tied for 12th) of La Quinta, Robert Funk (75-73—148, tied for 14th) of Canyon Lake, and Craig Davis (73-75—148), also tied for 14th) of Chula Vista.
The NCGA has won the title eight of the last 10 years.
For complete results, visit https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/3920314222298288714
