FAIRFAX, Calif. – Steve Maddalena of Jackson, Mich. carded a final round 2-over-par 73 to win the 2021 Trans-Mississippi Senior Championship by one stroke on Thursday at Meadow Club. Jay Livsey of Lakewood, Colo. claimed the Mid-Master Division on the second sudden-death playoff hole over Brad Wilder of Fort Wright, Ky. and John Bearrie of Marana, Ariz. Jeff Burda of La Quinta, Calif. won the Super Senior Division, while Chris Maletis of Portland, Ore. claimed the Legends Division title.
Maddalena, who began the final round with a one-stroke lead, birdied the par-5 first and added another red number on the par-4 sixth. However, after a costly triple-bogey on the par-3 eight followed by back-to-back bogeys on holes nine and 10, he was 4-over on the day. Despite the disapointing stretch, Maddalena showed poise. The 2020 Golf Association of Michigan Senior Player of the Year bounced back with a birdie on the par-3 11th. He played his next five holes in 4-under par, included consecutive birdies on holes 13-16.
“That kept the momentum going,” Maddalena said. “Due to the wind and green speeds, I just tried to keep the ball below the hole and draw on previous experiences of playing in tough conditions.”
Despite finishing with a bogey on the par-4 17th and double-bogey on the par-4 18th, Maddalena had enough cushion to claim his first national amateur title by one stroke at 4-over-par 217 overall.
Randy Haag of Orinda, Calif. finished second after carding rounds of 69-76-73 to post 5-over-par 218. Michael Mercier of Juno Beach, Fla. finished solo third at 6-over-par 219, while Scot Lance of Fairfax, Calif.; Mark Morgan of Shingle Springs, Calif. and Gene Elliott of West Des Moines, Iowa tied for fourth at 7-over-par 220.
In the Mid-Master Division, it came down to a sudden-death playoff. Livsey, who started the day eight shots behind Wilder, holed out for eagle on the par-4 10th to begin his final round. He played steady golf through the remainder of the day en route to 1-under-par 70 (the only red-figure score on Thursday in the division). Wilder, who lead through 36 holes, carded a final round 7-over-par 78. Bearrie was three back to start the day, and his 4-over-par 75 secured him a spot in the playoff.
On the second playoff hole, Livsey found the middle of the fairway. His approach shot landed within a couple feet on the cup and rolled out to 15 feet. All he needed to claim the title was a two-putt par. The 40-year-old lagged his putt to gimmie range and tapped in for the victory.
“This is the biggest win of my career for sure,” said Livsey, who owns a private gym franchise in Colorado.
In the Super Senior Division, Burda carded a final round 7-over-par 78 to post 10-over par for the championship and win by four strokes. He adds this victory to his Senior Division title in 2014. John Donnelly of Petaluma, Calif. and Jim Knoll of Sunnyvale, Calif. tied second at 14-over-par 227. Casey Boyns of Monterey, Calif. finished fourth at 16-over-par 229.
Maletis carded consistent rounds of 74-74-75 to post 10-over-par 223 and win the Legends Division by seven strokes. In his final round, he carded a birdie on the par-4 seventh and eagled the par-5 first for the second time during the championship. With his victory, Maletis completed the Trans-Mississippi Senior sweep. He won the Senior Division in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2011 as well as the Super Senior title in 2015.
James Martin of Dallas, Texas finished solo second at 17-over par with rounds of 74-80-76. Frank Rose of The Woodlands, Texas and Tom Ogrady of Los Altos, Calif. tied third at 22-over-par 235.
Founded in 1927, Meadow Club holds the distinction as the first golf course in North America designed by renowned golf course architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie. In collaboration with Robert Hunter, MacKenzie crafted a championship layout within the Bon Tempe Meadow on Mt. Tamalpias. Its natural beauty is complimented by meandering creeks, subtle elevation changes and incredible views and is a demanding test for players of all levels. Meadow Club has played host to many elite amateur championships, including the 2013 Trans-Mississippi Amateur won by 8-time PGA Tour winner Bryson DeChambeau.
The TMGA extends its sincere appreciation to Meadow Club, its attentive staff and supportive membership for all their help and support ahead of and during the 2021 Trans-Mississippi Senior & Mid-Master Championship.
Extra special thanks to General Manager Jack Grehan, Head Golf Professional Jim O’Neal, Golf Course Superintendent Sean Tully and his amazing grounds crew, as well as Food & Beverage Manager Ray Manzano. This year’s championship would not have been possible without their efforts.
About the Trans-Mississippi Golf Association
The Trans-Mississippi Golf Association is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf organizations in the United States. Established in 1901, the Trans-Mississippi is composed of over 200 member clubs located throughout the country. The Association is governed by a board of independent directors and is headquartered in Dallas, TX.
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