The medalist (Mark Pfeil, 69-690-70-76-284), and also medalist of the State Amateur at Pebble Beach, jumped off to a big lead by his outstanding performance during the first 36-holes on the Los Angeles Country Club North course. His lead was only briefly threatened early in the final nine holes on the Hillcrest Country Club course-site of the final 36-holes. Going into the final round, Mark Pfeil had a seven stroke lead disappear partly because of bogies on his part, but also due to the fine birdies by his chief adversary, Craig Stadler. The two were even going into the back nine, but Stadler succumbed to pressure, and no doubt Pfeil's unflappable exterior had some effect.
Pfeil finished in 10th place, eight strokes behind John Beetham last year.
The event was held on six of the finest country club courses: 0-4 handicaps (Championship) at Los Angeles Country Club with final 36-holes at Hillcrest Country Club. 5-7 handicaps (President's Flight) at Bel-Air Country Club; 7-10 handicaps (Vice President's Flight) at San Gabriel Country Club; 10-12 handicaps (Secretary's Flight) at Wilshire Country Club and 12 and over handicaps (new Treasurer's Flight) at Hacienda Country Club. The entire field involved 740 players.
The first SCGA Amateur event was held at match play in 1900, just one year after the organization of the Association, on July 29, 1899. It is the oldest continually contested tournament in the country. In 1957 the format was changed to 72-hole stroke play - one year before the PGA Championship changed their format accordingly. The tournament record is held by Bruce McCormick at 280, for play July 25-28, 1963 on the Los Angeles and Wilshire Country Club courses.