Randy Haag, Orinda, CA
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – Participants in the 2024 Senior Masters hosted by Indian Wells Golf Resort were treated to three consecutive picture-perfect days in the desert. The Players Course played firm and fast, rewarding quality shots, and punishing off-center strikes. After 54 holes of competition, four worthy champions rose to the top of their respective divisions.
SENIOR DIVISION
Randy Haag (Orinda, CA) came from behind to win an event that that he had lost on the final day on the back nine twice in the past, so he enjoyed a bit of redemption this time around. After a slow start in the final round, Haag was able to make four birdies on the back nine to close out the win in the Senior Division field at 8-under 208. On Wednesday, Haag shot his age for the first time with a 7-under 65.
Randy Haag, Orinda, CA
“Wednesday’s round was just so much fun, capped off by a bomb of a putt on 18 to shoot my age for the first time. The greens here were simply perfect, so you really felt like you could make some putts. To do it in competition was a real bonus. I had a chance to win earlier this week and didn’t get it done, so I’m glad to be able to come from behind today,” said Haag.
Overnight leader John Derrick (Waco, TX) also got off to a slow start but closed strong with a back nine 33 with birdies on three of his last four holes to finish runner-up at 7-under 209.
Kevin VandenBerg (Pulaski, NY) started out hot, 5-under through eight holes, and took the lead outright, but after bogeys on 10 and 13, the door was open for challengers to attack. Mike Lohner (Southlake, TX) joined the party in the group of leaders as they went back and forth. Lohner and VandenBerg would end up tied for third place at 6-under 210.
On the final round, Haag said, “John and I both started poorly and Kevin and Mike both played well, Kevin was on fire. He made a little mistake on the back side, and I was able to get some birdies to drop and end up with a little lead coming down the stretch. I thought about playing 18 very conservatively, but Mike was within two, so I thought I better stay on the aggressive side.”
SUPER SENIOR DIVISION
Jerry Hudgins (Tyler, TX) shot a final round 1-over 73 to post a tournament total of 1-under 215 to outlast the field in the Super Senior division and win by three strokes. Past champion Jeff Burda (Modesto, CA) posted a final round of 2-over 74 to finish runner-up at 2-over 218. Defending champion Adam Kugler (Edwards, CO) was one stroke behind Burda at 219. Mike Arter (Lakeville, MA) carded the lone final round under par in the Super Senior division with a 1-under round of 71 to join Kugler in a tie for third.
Jerry Hudgins, Tyler, TX
“I got a little bit of food poisoning last night, so I wasn’t feeling very well for about the first five or six holes. I finally got it going a little bit and just played my game. I wasn’t watching any leaderboards, so that was probably to my benefit since it was close all along,” said Hudgins. “I made some birdies coming down the stretch and thankfully it was enough to grab the win. I’ve been coming here for a long time and it’s always fun seeing everyone and the course was just in great shape.”
LEGEND DIVISION
Jeffrey Knox (Jupiter, FL) fired a final round 3-under 69 to end up winning the Legend division by three over Peter Van Ingen (Palm Beach, FL). Knox posted a total of 3-under par 213. Van Ingen held the lead for a portion of the final round but could not hold off the birdie onslaught from Knox and would have to settle for runner-up at even par 216. Jody Vasquez (La Quinta, CA) shot a final round 73 to finish in third at 219.
Jeffrey Knox, Jupiter, FL
“I played pretty solid, made a few mistakes, a double on 16 hurt, but other than that I was happy with how I played,” said Knox. “Peter played well, he’s a tough competitor and we were going back and forth most of the round. I made some late birdies that ended up being the difference. The course played very firm, but it seemed to play a little longer today for some reason. It’s always fun coming here and just a great venue.”
SUPER LEGEND DIVISION
Gerry Graham (Mesa, AZ) enjoyed some of the best golf of his life on through two rounds when he stood at 5-under total of 139. Graham overcame a big number on the 10th hole in the final round to post a final round 78 and total of 217 to win by eight strokes. Gaylord Davis (Portland, OR) finished runner-up at 225, while George Dillon (Sun City West, AZ) finished in third at 226.
Gerry Graham, Mesa, AZ
“I’ve been coming here for over 20 years, and it’s always such a fun time seeing everyone and competing at this great venue,” said Graham. “The greens were great, and my putting was the difference this week. I have not been 5-under through two tournament rounds in a long time. I had one bad hole on 10 today where I made a snowman, but other than that, it has been my best in quite a while. I’m thankful it was this week at this venue.”
Special thanks to the entire staff at Indian Wells Golf Resort, particularly Director of Golf Joe Williams, Tournament Coordinator Marissa Patterson-Egner, Head Golf Professional Tom Burley, and last but not least, Director of Agronomy Nick Leitner. Thanks, as well to Callaway Golf for their sponsorship of the Society of Seniors. The Society will travel next to The Cape Club of Palm City, FL for the 39th Ed Tutwiler Four-Ball on April 22-25, followed by the 42nd Dale Morey Championship held at Treyburn Country Club in Durham, NC on May 19-22.
