SACRAMENTO, CA — The opening round of the 2025 Sacramento Valley Senior Amateur Championship wrapped up Tuesday at the Alister MacKenzie Golf Course at Haggin Oaks, and the tournament already boasts thrilling competition across all three divisions: Senior, Super Senior, and Legends.
Senior Championship Division: Sear Surges Ahead
Washoe Valley’s Steve Sear delivered a near-flawless round of golf, carding a 6-under-par 66 to take the solo lead in the Senior Championship Flight. Just one shot back is Mark Morgan of Shingle Springs, who fired a smooth 67 (-5) of his own to remain within striking distance heading into round two.
A trio of players share third at 2-under-par 70: Chris Candelario (Santa Rosa), Kevin Stillian (Rancho Murieta), and Todd Barsotti (Fresno). In total, 11 players posted rounds at even-par or better, setting up a potentially dramatic final round.
Super Senior Championship Division: Donoghue Dominates
The round of the day across all divisions belonged to Brady Donoghue of Folsom, who scorched the MacKenzie layout with a 67 (-5) to lead the Super Senior Championship Flight. Donoghue’s bogey-free effort places him two strokes clear of Bob Niger (Roseville) and Wade Nonnenberg (Rocklin), who each turned in stellar rounds of 69 (-3).
Four players sit at even-par 72, while a jam-packed logjam of contenders lurks within five shots of the lead, including notable names like Jeff Burda (Modesto) and Chris Miller (Brentwood). With more than a dozen players within six shots, the Super Senior division remains wide open.
Legends Championship Division: Three-Way Tie at the Top
In the Legends Flight, it’s a three-way tie at the top as Herb Jensen (Carmichael), Ken Cess (Vacaville), and Bob Fleming (Fair Oaks) all posted 1-under-par 71s to lead after the first round. The trio holds a two-shot advantage over Bob Olds (Brentwood) and Robbie Thompson (Merced), both sitting at +1 (73).
Sacramento’s Jon Jew is still in the hunt at +2 (74), while several others remain within five strokes of the leaders. With consistent scoring across the field, the Legends division promises a competitive finish on Wednesday.
Looking Ahead
With firm conditions, challenging greens, and tight leaderboards in every division, the final round promises drama from start to finish. The Alister MacKenzie Golf Course, with its tree-lined fairways and subtle undulations, continues to provide a perfect stage for Northern California’s best senior amateur talent.
Champions will be crowned Wednesday afternoon. Stay tuned for final-round coverage and the crowning of this year’s Sacramento Valley Senior Amateur Champions.
