The Valley Club of Montecito, Calif. — Nov. 11, 2025
It’s setting up to be a dramatic closing day at the 34th California Senior Amateur Championship. Robert Niger (Roseville) rode seven birdies to a second-round 6-under 66, moving to 7-under 137 and the top of a crowded leaderboard.
Chasers on his heels
Just one shot behind, Bobby Schaeffer (Santa Barbara) matched Niger’s 66 with a spotless card of six birdies, while defending champion Trae Cassell (Rancho Santa Fe) posted a poised 68 after four straight birdies from Nos. 6–9 before a late stumble. Both are 6-under 138 and within striking distance of history—Cassell aims to become the first back-to-back winner since Randy Haag (2021–22).
Other contenders
Craig Davis (Chula Vista), the 2023 champion, is two back at 5-under 139 after a tidy 68. John Adams (San Clemente) and Steve Sear (Washoe Valley, Nev.) share fifth at 4-under 140, with Sear firing a sparkling 67. First-round leader Dan Sullivan (Pasadena) opened with an eagle at No. 1 but settled for a 74; he’s tied eighth at 2-under 142 alongside Jeff Wilson (Fairfield).
Cut line & team result
The cut to Wednesday’s final round came at 5-over 149. In the North/South Challenge, the SCGA secured a third straight title at 25-under 206, with the NCGA at 215.
Leaderboard — Through 36 HolesPos.PlayerHometownTotal To ParR1R2Total1Robert NigerRoseville, CA-77166137T2Bobby SchaefferSanta Barbara, CA-67266138T2Trae CassellRancho Santa Fe, CA-670681384Craig DavisChula Vista, CA-57168139T5John AdamsSan Clemente, CA-46971140T5Steve SearWashoe Valley, NV-473671407Mike RowleySan Luis Obispo, CA-37170141T8Jeff WilsonFairfield, CA-27270142T8Dan SullivanPasadena, CA-26874142Final-round outlook
Final-round tee times begin at 8 a.m. Wednesday. With firm greens, coastal breezes and three past champions within two shots, The Valley Club is primed for a sprint to the finish.
About the Championship
Founded in 1992, the California Senior Amateur is the state’s premier event for players 55 and older, rotating between Northern and Southern California venues. Multi-time champions include Jim McMurtrey, Jeff Burda, John Pate and Randy Haag, with Cassell adding his name to the list in 2024.