Rex Enright started the final round three strokes behind 36-hole leader Randy Haag.
Enright, a member at the Canyon Club and host of the U.S. Senior Challenge Cup 38th, was grateful to have seven years’ local knowledge on his side as he took on Haag in final group.
Enright said, “After looking at Randy’s résumé,” Golfweek. “I thought, ‘Oh, (expletive), this guy is pretty decent… this could be quite a challenge!
Haag, who has won more than 300 amateur matches and already three in 2023 was a worthy competitor. Enright relied on his local expertise to help him navigate the sloped and elevated greens in Albuquerque.
Enright stated, “I thought with his resume (Haag), that I would have to shoot at least 67.”
Haag, to Enright’s advantage, started the tournament with a double bogey. Haag made a triple on the par-5 4th to help Enright gain the lead.
Haag, who was three strokes behind after 11 holes, fought for the lead and gained a share.
Haag had a bad day on the par-3 17. Haag hit his tee-shot just a few paces too far, and found himself having to putt back towards the hole just off the green.
Enright was able to close the tournament by putting four from the green.
Enright finished the championship by paring the 18th hole and winning the Challenge Cup with a total of 2 over par.
Enright, who defended his home course to win the U.S. Senior Challenge Cup as an individual from New Mexico.
Team Champion
Team New Mexico-Slayton, which included four New Mexico natives, was crowned Challenge Cup champions on Thursday. Kevin Sivage Anton Salome Bill Squier rode the captain Jack Slayton’s back all week and won by 15 shots. They had a 3-day total of 6 over to complete the wire-to-wire victory.
Legends (70-74)
Slayton won the team division, as well as the Legends age group. Slayton, who had three consecutive rounds of 70 in his tally of the 70-74 age bracket, won by six shots. He also totaled the lowest 54 hole total of the event with a 6-under-210. He is the low man of week for his play, as no one else finished below par in any age bracket.
Super Seniors (65-69)
Wyoming’s John Hornbeck won the 65-69 age division with a tournament total of 4 over 220. He was victorious by seven shots. Crispin Fuentes of New Mexico finished second with 11 over.
Super Legends (75+)
Arizona’s David Ralsey finished the week off with a final round 77, completing a wire to wire win in the 75+ division.
