Jeff Wilson of Fairfield made history by sharing medalist honors with Greg Condon of Monte Vista, Colo., in the 64th U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Ore.
The 55-year-old Wilson carded a score of 69-70—139, 5-under-par, while Condon finished at 67-72—139.
Wilson is the only player in United States Golf Association history to have claimed medalist honors in the U.S. Amateur (twice), the U.S. Mid-Amateur (three times) and the U.S. Senior Amateur.
“It’s not something that you start out to get, but they are sure nice to have,” said Wilson, who also earned a bronze medal for being a semifinalist in the 2001 U.S. Mid-Amateur and was low-amateur in the 2000 U.S. Open and the 2018 U.S. Senior Open (2018). “I was just happy I played solidly, and I’m looking forward to match play.”
About the only thing missing for Wilson, who won the Southern California Golf Association Mid-Amateur and lost in a playoff in the Northern California Golf Association Mid-Amateur earlier this year, is a USGA title.
“It’s hard,” said Wilson of match play. “I think I made it to the semifinals (once) in the (U.S.) Mid-Am and in the U.S. Amateur. I’m either the medalist or down the road somewhere. I don’t know. Hopefully this year will be different.”
Joe Palmer of West Des Moines, Iowa, was third at 74-68—142, while Jack Larkin of Atlanta shot 70-73—143 to tie for fourth with Frank Vana Jr. of Boxford, Mass., who finished at 69-74—143.
Chip Lutz of Reading, Pa., the 2015 champion, and Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Iowa, both totaled 74-70—144 to tie for sixth with Jerry Rose of Sarasota, Fla., and two-time winner Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C., who both came in at 71-73—144.
Randy Haag of Orinda shot 72-73—145 to tie for 10th with 2016 winner Dave Ryan of Taylorville, Ill., who wound up at 74-71—145.
The top 64 players moved on the match-play portion of the tournament that will determine the national champion.
For complete results, visit http://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/championships/2018/u-s–senior-amateur-.html#!scoring
