The Society of Seniors announced today its 2017 Players Of The Year. The SOS recently concluded the 2017 schedule of events with the Ralph Bogart event, played at the Harbour Ridge Yacht and CC, Palm City, Florida.
2017 SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – STEVE HUDSON
60-Year-old Steve Hudson, Birmingham, Alabama, started the 2017 season in style, capturing the Ed Tutwiler Four Ball crown with partner Lawrence Fields, Tulsa, OK. Hudson, a multiple winner of Alabama state titles, added a third Senior Masters win in April. Following a third place finish in the Hesler at Lancaster CC, Hudson won his fifth SOS title at The Landings in Savannah. The soft-spoken Hudson finished his year with a tie for second at the Founders Cup in Napa, CA.
Keith Decker, the 2016 SOS Senior Player of the Year, started strong by winning the 2017 Fall Classic, but was only able to win enough points for second place in the Senior POY sweepstakes.
2017 SUPER SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – EVAN LONG
For Evan Long, Charlotte, NC, it was a year to remember. Long’s slow start at the Spring Classic in February was not an omen of things to come. Dusting all bad thoughts, Long’s next effort netted a T4 finish in the Senior Masters at Indian Wells Golf Resort. After regulation play in the John Kline Tournament at Peachtree City, Long was deadlocked with eventual playoff winner John Armstrong, Frostburg, MD. A T5 finish at the Hesler in July was the springboard for his 2017 Fall Classic victory at The Landings. Another playoff loss to Jim Rollefson, Franklin, WI, at the Founders completed a year of top five finishes.
2017 GRAND MASTER PLAYER OF THE YEAR – George Washburn
Consistent good play and top ten finishes would describe George Washburn’s 2017 season. Washburn, Frederick, MD, posted seven top tens including three runners-up and one victory. His second place finishes included: the Spring Classic in February, another in the 70-74 division at the Kline and a playoff loss to Jerry Hutton, Long beach, CA at the SOS Championships. But the icing on the cake was a four-shot victory at the Hesler Tournament, on a demanding and tough Lancaster CC.
Congratulations to all three SOS Players of the Year.
