The 8th SCGA Senior Match Play Championship was a story of resiliency and redemption, as James Camaione exercised demons with a 3&2 victory over Steve Bogan.
At this same event at Red Hill CC last year, Camaione faced a two-footer for the Championship, only to miss the putt and eventually fall in extra holes to David Delich.
Camaione, an SCGA veteran and known chatterbox, has eagerly awaited this moment.
“Well, I’ve waited almost 32 years to win an SCGA event and I don’t know what to say,” said Camaione. “I’m finally speechless.”
The match was all Camaione early, as he jumped out to a 2up lead after two holes. Bogan bounced back on No. 3, striking his tee shot on the par 3 to within five feet, and knocking in the birdie to climb within 1. The next four holes were a stalemate, as both players continued to play impressive golf. At the turn, Camaione remained 1up.
The eventual champion caught fire on the back 9, going 2up after No. 10 and 3up after No. 14. The match was conceded on No. 16 after Bogan’s lengthy birdie putt narrowly slide by the hole.
For the 16 holes of play, Camaione was a blistering 5-under par, yet Bogan was able to keep the match interesting.
“Steve played excellent himself,” said Camaione. “He was a couple under par as well, so we had a great championship match.”
It’s a storybook ending for Camaione to secure his first SCGA victory here at Valencia CC, a place where there’s some personal history.
“I started to play here when it was public back in 1981,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite places and I just love to play here. I don’t know why but I love the golf course, it truly fits my eye.”
En route to the finals, Camaione beat Mark Rossi, 2013 Champion Dan Pouliot, Dan Carroll and Mark Monreal.