Scott Almquist of Coto De Caza recorded an impressive third round score of 67 today to win the 28th SCGA Mid-Amateur Championship. Sitting in second place entering the day, Almquist had three birdies and no bogeys in the final round of the tournament, which was held at Mesa Verde CC. Almquist finished incredibly strong, draining long birdie putts on holes 17 and 18, to eventually finish two-under par with a four-stroke victory. Tyler Crawford of Rancho Mirage finished second at even par.
Almquist had first and second round scores of 71 and 70, respectively, and finished at 208. Jordan Nasser, who led the field going into the final round, finished the tournament in third place with a score of 213 after posting a three-over par on Tuesday.
"I've been playing these things since the 80s," said Almquist after his victory. "I've been trying to win an individual one, and I've been close, but you know I never seem to get it done. I love this venue, this course is great, we were playing on championship conditions, and all day I kept telling myself 'you've got the game to win this.' I had all my buddies out supporting me, so it was a great day."
Players commented all tournament about the superb course conditions, much of which is thanks to Superintendent Robert Gluck and his staff. The weather also cooperated, as players were met with sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s.
The tournament had a closer finish than the final scoreboard might show, as Almquist held just a one-stroke lead over Crawford with two holes to play. However a birdie on 17 from Almquist and a bogey on 18 from Crawford gave the eventual champion some breathing room heading into his final hole. Almquist didn't let up, however, as he sank a 20-foot uphill putt for birdie to close the event.
"Those [last two putts] felt good because earlier in the day I was hitting it close and not making it so I said 'hey, if you keep letting other guys hang around you're going to end up a bridesmaid again,' so I hit good putts and the last one went in and it was almost like a dream."
Ryan Indovina tied Almquist for the best score of the final round, propelling himself into a three-way tie for fourth place with Justin Warthen and Brad Larsen.
Check out video from the SCGA Mid-Amateur Championship!