Kevin VandenBerg claimed what was his at the 2022 Golfweek Senior National Championship at Grandover Resort in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The highest ranked player in the field per Golfweek’s senior amateur rankings, VandenBerg was able to overcome an uncharacteristic first round to win the inaugural championship by two strokes.
VandenBerg used four birdies to negate three final-round bogeys, good for a 1-under 71. Playing with Steve Maddalena, the Michigander kept the pressure on as he matched VandenBerg shot for shot on the front nine.
Trading momentum shifts, VandenBerg was able to keep big numbers off his card and controlled a one-shot lead as the duo stood on the 18th tee. Unable to capitalize on a scoreable par-5, Maddalena posted a par to VandenBerg’s birdie, securing the two stroke victory for the New York native.
VandenBerg also now surpasses Rusty Strawn as the No. 1 ranked player in Golfweek’s Senior Amateur rankings.
Child Guy rounds out the senior podium with a third place finish at 10 over.
In the super senior division, it was Stephen Fox who was able to hold on to a two stroke victory as he crawled into the clubhouse going 5 over in his final four holes. Larry Vaughan (6 over) and Tim Vigotsky (7 over) nabbed silver and bronze finishes.
Legend Pete Allen used a steady 1-over 73 to take home a four-stroke win. Tied with Charley Yandell heading into the day, Allen stayed relatively mistake free to coast into the clubhouse for the win.
Unarguably the most impressive performance of the week came from Super Legend John Blank. The Maryland native carded rounds of 70, 73, and 71 to run away with the 75+ age division title. Two under on the week Blank beat every single player in the field, regardless of age division, by at least six shots.
All four champions earned 1,200 points in their respective Player of the Year race. The next Golfweek senior event is the 2022 Golfweek U.S. Super Senior, Legends, & Super Legends National Championship at the Golf Club of Georgia in Alpharetta, Georgia, July 2-5.
