You could say that 32-year-old Dublin resident Ian Fisher was overdue.
Fisher made par on the third hole (par-4 5th) of a sudden-death playoff to hold off Juan Gonzales and win what became a drama-filled event at Poppy Hills.
For Fisher, who never played collegiately, it was his first victory since his junior golf days-a span of over 15 years.
“It feels really good. It was tough, I didn’t have my “A’ game. “I just battled," said Fisher, who finished regulation tied with Gonzales at a total of even-par 142. "It's validating to finally get a win."
It certainly wasn't easy. For most of the day, the focus was on Nick Randazzo and his quest for NCGA victory No.13.
Randazzo appeared to be in control, but on the par-3 15th, Randazzo made bogey. A hole later on the par-4 16th, Randazzo made double-bogey after, among other miscues, getting stuck in the fairway bunker.
At the same time that Randazzo began leaking oil, Fisher made a birdie on No.15 to leapfrog into the lead. Ahead, meanwhile, was Gonzales. The 43-year-old Gonzales quietly had the round of the day, posting a 4-under 67 that set him up as the leader in the clubhouse at a total of even-par.
On the pivotal 18th hole, Randazzo, needing an eagle to tie Gonzales, got on the green in two but missed his 18-foot eagle attempt. Fisher, on the other hand, just needed a birdie to catch Gonzales. Fisher also got on in two-reaching the green from the fairway bunker with a 6-iron. His shot landed 12 feet from the pin. While his eagle putt missed, he'd tap in for a birdie to tie Gonzales.
“I knew I needed a birdie,” Fisher said. “I had around 195 yards. I knew that I had a chance when it got on.”
In the playoff, Gonzales and Fisher both made sand saves for par on the first hole (No.3). On the ensuing 4th hole, Gonzales had a shot to win it outright but missed a 5-footer for birdie.
On the 21st hole, Gonzales, perhaps still irritated with his missed putt, pulled his drive left into the scrub. He’d have to punch out, eventually reaching the green on his third shot. He’d miss his par putt.
Fisher, meanwhile, got on the green in regulation and calmly two-putted for par to seal the victory.
“I love the NCGA. they run great tournaments. So it’s great to get a win,” Fisher said.
Randazzo and Sean Etow finished tied for third at 143. Etow was awarded third place following a card-off (lower score for the day).
Big Sur Flight
Monterey’s Logan Norton claimed the title, carding a final round 3-under 68 to come in with a two-day total of 3-under 139.
Finishing tied for second place 5-over 146 were Art Johnson and Dong Kim after matching final rounds of 71. Kim was awarded second place following a card-off.
Golden Gate Flight
Mark Knopfler of the band Dire Straits would call him the Sultan of Swing.
Sultan Aziz of San Ramon won the title, posting a final round 3-over 74 to finish at 4-over 146. It was his first NCGA title.
Second place went to Jeff Wong at 148 after a final round 75. Brad McCullough claimed third place at 149 following a final round 72.
Yosemite Flight
Granite Bay’s Jim Sroka won the title, carding a final round 1-under 70 to come in at 5-under 137.
Second place went to Dev Rahal at 143 following a final round 72. Jeff Cho placed third at 148 following a 75.
