The SCGA Senior Match Play Championship pitted two decorated SCGA veterans against one another in a battle at Bear Creek GC in Murrieta.
Craig Steinberg, a four-time SCGA Amateur Champion, SCGA Mid-Amateur Champion and SCGA Public Links Champion, clawed out two straight 1up victories before a 2&1 triumph over Daniel Sivadge to earn his spot in the final.
Robert Funk, the low amateur at the 2017 U.S. Senior Open and member at Bear Creek GC, took out defending champion Craig Davis in the semifinals 6&5, setting up the final head-to-head matchup.
Steinberg, a member at North Ranch CC, jumped out to a 2up lead after three holes and looked to be in full command. Funk couldn’t get the putter going on the front nine and found himself in a 3down hole after eight holes.
On the par-5 ninth, Funk left an eagle chip 25 feet short of the pin, leaving himself an uphill swinger. Fresh from the British Senior Amateur, Funk rolled in the remarkable birdie, crawling back to within two at the turn.
Steinberg hit a wayward tee shot on the par-4 10th, leading to a bogey and another lost hole. Just when the wheels began to wobble, Steinberg turned on the jets. He birdied No. 11 and No. 12, draining 25 feet of putts. Steinberg added another birdie on the par-5 No. 14, essentially putting the match of reach. A par at No. 15 sealed the deal and earned Steinberg his first SCGA senior championship.