Tim Hogarth Wins Pasadena City Championship

Northridge golfer Tim Hogarth, who last October won the inaugural Ojai Valley Senior Cup by four shots, defeated two-time USGA Mid-Am semifinalist Dan Sullivan by two shots Sunday to win the Pasadena City Golf Championship, which was held Friday through Sunday at Brookside Golf Course with strict COVID-19 safety protocols – meaning no spectators.

The tournament committee of one of California’s most historic amateur championships was determined not to miss a second year after last year’s event was canceled, so even if the pandemic shut down all golf in April, the committee contacted registered players, many of whom agreed to play on the new July dates. Anyone who wasn’t ready to play was replaced by golfers on the waiting list.

Hogarth started slow, his first round 75 leaving him well back of Daniel Ragsdale, who was the only player to break 70 in the first round with 69, Amateur Golf reported. But Hogarth had a nearly flawless round Saturday – a 66 that put him into a tie for third with Sullivan, who posted rounds of 71 and 70.

On Sunday, playing the same C.W. Koiner course that was used in Round 1, Hogarth caught fire. Seven birdies against just a single bogey put him over the top at 7 under for the tournament, as Sullivan posted his best round of the weekend, a 68, to finish second.

Tongun Lako shot a final round 70 to finish third at 4 under.

Before the tournament dates, the organizing committee sent out a set of reminders for players to maintain social distancing at all times, whether on the starting tee or any other place on the course.

Caddies and spectators were barred from the course throughout the tournament.

Even players weren’t allowed access to the golf course more than 45 minutes before their starting time, and many had to stay in their vehicles as they waited. On the course, players, regardless of their position, were advised to maintain six feet of distance between themselves and other players, including when they were preparing for a shot, walking down the fairway, on the teeing ground, and on the putting green.

The Brookside Restaurant was open for outdoor patio dining, with the tables restricted to a maximum of six people. The restaurant provided a “grab and go” menu as well but the on-course snack shops were closed, although a beverage and snack cart was on the course during play, accepting only credit or debit and allowing no cash payments.

The tournament committee indicated they should be able to move the tournament back to its traditional date in April 2021.

For complete results of the Pasadena City Championship, visit www.2020pasadenacity.golfgenius.com/pages/6013048261164686034.