SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The stage is set for a dramatic finish at the 101st California State Fair Amateur Golf Championship, as Ethan Gao of Johns Creek, Georgia, heads into Labor Day’s final round holding a narrow two-shot lead at 11-under-par 133 after rounds of 67 and 66 on the historic Alister MacKenzie Course at Haggin Oaks.
Gao, a collegiate player for Stanford, displayed poise well beyond his years with a bogey-free second round. Known nationally for his junior golf success, he has carried that confidence to Sacramento, positioning himself to etch his name alongside champions like Ken Venturi, George Archer, Kevin Sutherland, and Al Geiberger in the history books of one of California’s oldest amateur events.
The Chase Is On
Hot on Gao’s heels is a talented trio at 9-under-par 135:
Calder Overfelt of Newport Beach, CA, who scorched the MacKenzie with a 65 on Sunday to vault into contention.
Luke Dugger of Davis, CA, a local standout who followed his opening 69 with a crisp 66 to join the leaders.
First-round co-leader Cooper Greenwood of Westlake Village, CA, who added a steady 69 after his sparkling 66 on Saturday.
All three will tee off with or ahead of Gao in Monday’s final group at 10:00 a.m., setting up a classic final-day showdown.
A Logjam at 8-Under
Just one shot further back, an incredible seven players are tied at 8-under-par 136. Among them:
Tucker Sweeney of Pasadena, CA, who fired a brilliant 65.
Zach Mate of Elk Grove, CA, who posted 66.
Nolan Kuszyk of La Cañada Flintridge, CA, and Jack Hayden of Dublin, CA, both steady with matching 68s.
Kyle Dougherty of Irvine, CA, and Kavi Marez of Carmichael, CA, each following their opening 69s with 67s.
And the round of the day: Reese Sato of Folsom, CA, who roared back with a dazzling 63, vaulting from near the cut line into contention.
The group at 8-under represents a formidable chase pack — a mix of proven competitors and fearless young guns, all within striking distance of Gao.
The Depth of the Field
The quality of golf through two rounds has been exceptional, with 27 players sitting at 7-under or better. Among them:
Michael Weaver of Fresno, the former Cal Bear and U.S. Amateur runner-up, remains firmly in the hunt at 7-under 137.
Charlie Berridge of Scarsdale, NY, the first-round co-leader, cooled off with a 71 but remains just four shots back.
Local favorite Matthew Miyamoto of Sacramento fired a 65 to move to 7-under, delighting the hometown crowd.
Von Wasson of Centralia, WA, also surged with a 65, and Domingo Jojola of Carmichael quietly put together a strong pair of 68s to stay within range.
The cut fell at one-under-par, trimming the field to the best of the best for Monday’s finale.
A Storied Stage Awaits
As the players prepare for the final round, they do so knowing the gravity of what’s at stake. The California State Fair Amateur, contested since 1925, is one of the most prestigious titles in West Coast amateur golf. Haggin Oaks’ Alister MacKenzie Course — with its heritage of hosting legends like Ben Hogan and its demanding yet artistic design — has been the site of countless battles over nearly a century.
For Gao, the opportunity to secure one of the biggest wins of his young career hangs in the balance. For the chasers, the chance to rally on Labor Day and claim a championship that has launched countless careers is motivation enough.
Final Round Outlook
With Gao at -11, three players at -9, and seven more at -8, the leaderboard is stacked tighter than ever. A single hot stretch of golf on Monday could turn the championship upside down.
As Sacramento fans gather under the oaks on Labor Day morning, they will witness not just a golf tournament, but the continuation of a tradition that bridges the past with the future. The only certainty: by Monday afternoon, a new champion will join a roll call that has defined California amateur golf for nearly 100 years.
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