It took two full days of sun-up to sundown match play in order to crown the 2015 SCGA One-Day Player of the Year. David Fujii was able to survive a grueling 72-hole format in the inaugural One-Day Series Match Play Championship held at PGA WEST in La Quinta.
“It feels great, I didn’t expect it at all,” said Fujii. “From where I came from at the beginning of the season, this is a great surprise to me.”
The SCGA One-Day Tournament Series, one of the SCGA's fastest growing programs,hosted its first ever Match Play Championship this weekend at PGA WEST. The top 16 players from the year-long points list, which distributed points to participants from the series' 23 2015 events, made the match play championship and had the opportunity to compete for this year's SCGA One-Day Tournament Player of the Year honor.
Fujii outlasted year-long points leader Spencer Sam in the championship match, taking a 1-up victory. After Fujii jumped out to a commanding 6-up lead through 10, Sam battled back to take the next four holes and capped the gutsy comeback with a birdie on the par-3 17th.
“Spencer played incredibly down the stretch,” said a relieved Fujii. “I thought I was in trouble with the way he was swinging.”
Standing in the dusk on the 18th tee, Sam pulled a drive into the water while Fujii found a fairway bunker, but dumped his second shot into the drink as well. With darkness fully upon the players, Fujii was able to get up and down to seal the championship.
“I was striking my short irons terrific today,” said Fujii. “Combine that with a hot putter and things were going well.”
Fujii’s journey through this Match Play Championship was taxing to say the least. On Friday, he defeated Edward Ornelas 4 & 3 and topped Nick Parisi 2 & 1 before earning a berth in the championship via withdrawal.
Along with Player of the Year honors came a few extra perks. Fujii was awarded a $500 Golfsmith Gift Card and a framed One-Day Series flag. For second place, Sam was able to take home a $100 Golfsmith Gift Card.
“I love playing in these one-day events because of the people I get to meet and the quality of golf courses we’re on,” said Fujii. “The SCGA always treats us so well and that’s obviously a bonus.”
The SCGA One-Day Series is open to all SCGA members, regardless of Handicap Index. Events contain both net and gross flights, and range from individual to team competitions. Learn more about the program here.
