Rex Enright began the final round trailing 36-hole leader Randy Haag by three strokes.
As a member of the Canyon Club, host of the 38th U.S. Senior Challenge Cup, Enright was glad he had seven years of local knowledge in his back pocket as he faced off against Haag in the final group.
“After looking Randy’s resume,” Enright told Golfweek. “I was like ‘Oh (expletive) this guy is pretty good… this could be a challenge!”
With more than 300 wins in his amateur career and three wins already in 2023, Haag was definitely a worthy opponent. Resting on his local knowledge, Enright took comfort in his ability to navigate the elevation and sloped greens that prove to be the primary challenge in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“I figured with his (Haag) resume, that I’d have to shoot 67,” Enright said.
Fortunately for Enright, Haag stumbled out of the gates with a bogey, bogey start. On the par 5 4th, Haag five-putted for a triple to sway the leaderboard in favor of Enright.
Down but not out, Haag battled for control of the top spot and earned back a share of the lead as the two men stood on the 17th tee after being down three strokes through 11 holes.
After catching multiple breaks in Wednesday’s second round, Haag’s luck seemed to have run out on the par-3 17th. Hitting his tee shot just a couple of paces too long, he found himself putting back down towards the hole from just off the green in the rough.
Four putting from off the green Haag left the door open for Enright to slam the tournament shut.
Putting the finishing touches on the championship with a two-putt par, Enright went on to par the 18th and claiming the Challenge Cup by two strokes with a tournament total of 2-over 218.
Defending his home course, Enright becomes the first U.S. Senior Challenge Cup individual champion from New Mexico.
Team Champion
Four more New Mexico natives made Challenge Cup history Thursday as Team New Mexico-Slayton was crowned champions. Riding the back of captain Jack Slayton all week, Kevin Sivage, Anton Salome and Bill Squier strolled through the week to win by 15 shots, boasting a three-day total of 6-over to complete a wire-to-wire win.
Legends (70-74)
Slayton not only ran away with the team portion, but also the Legends age division. Touting three straight rounds of 70, Slayton swept the 70-74 year old bracket by six shots and totaling the lowest 54-hole total of the tournament with a 6-under 210. His play nets him low man of the week honors as no other player finished under par regardless of age bracket.
Super Seniors (65-69)
Wyoming’s John Hornbeck was crowned champion in the 65-69 age group, running away with a seven shot victory with tournament total of 4-over 220. New Mexico’s Crispin Fuentes finished second at 11 over.
Super Legends (75+)
Arizona’s David Ralsey capped off the week with a final-round 77 to complete a wire-to-wire win in the 75+ age division.