Tournament Champions
View Tournament Results
Dramatic Finishes and “The Snap”: APT Diamond Bar Tournament Recap
DIAMOND BAR, CA – The Southern California Chapter of the Amateur Players Tour took on the renovated Diamond Bar Golf Club this past Saturday, March 28. The day was defined by elite scoring, a massive “home course” breakthrough, and a Division 5 finish that is always a good reminder, “you never know”!
Division 1: Renda’s Masterclass
Berkecem Renda (Fullerton, CA) set the gold standard early in the day. Carding a stellar 1-under-par (71), Renda was the only player in the premier flight to finish in red figures. His precision on Diamond Bar’s tricky greens secured the trophy and a significant haul of Player of the Year points.
Division 2: Heartbreak on the 17th
The duel of the day featured Evan Leonard (Costa Mesa, CA) and Mike Nakunz (Highland, CA) locked in a back-and-forth battle. Disaster struck for Nakunz on the Par-3 17th when his 7-iron snapped as he struck his shot. The freak equipment failure led to a dropped shot—the exact margin of his defeat. Leonard remained steady with multiple birdies to card a 73 (+1), edging out Nakunz’s 74. Vinnie Obrien (Sun Valley, CA) was third with a 77.
Division 3: The Veteran’s Promotion
After competing in Division 4 all last season, tour veteran Dave Davidson (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) proved he belongs in the higher flight. Davidson fired a gritty 82 to claim his first Division 3 victory, narrowly outlasting Zach Jellsey (Eastvale, CA) and Charles Porter (La Palma, CA), who tied for second with 83s as they both struggled on hole 18. Dave Davidson has been playing well, just hadn’t broken through until Diamond Bar.
Division 4: Home Course Dominance
The round of the day relative to handicap belonged to the local favorite, who dismantled the course with a stellar 79. Breaking 80 from Division 4 is a rare feat, leaving Russell Eustice (Ft. Irwin, CA) (82) and Thomas Meagher (Palm Desert, CA) (83) to battle for the remaining podium spots. All three players shot great Division 4 scores, and on most Saturdays, an 82 or 83 in Division 4 wins, but with Royce’s career round and being a validated APT player, he takes it.
Division 5: The “Golden Rule” Ending
The most dramatic finish occurred in Division 5. Clark Decker (Seal Beach, CA) and Kirk Olmos (Moreno Valley, CA) finished the round tied for the lead with 94, necessitating a tie-breaker. However, Olmos—who was in the first group out—had already left the premises. Per APT rules, a player must be present for a playoff or tie-breaker to claim the top prize. By default, Clark Decker was awarded the first-place trophy and the winner’s check.
The Wrap-Up
From Renda’s sub-par brilliance to the “Great 7-Iron Snap” and the Division 5 departure drama, the March 28th stop at Diamond Bar was one for the books. It was a reminder to every player on tour: stay focused, trust your gear, and never leave the course until the final scorecard is signed!
