The Society of Seniors returned to the beautiful oasis in the California desert known as Palm Springs. Indian Wells Golf Resort hosted more than 140 members and guests from around the country.

Indian Wells Golf Resort holds the distinction of being in Golfweek’s Top 20 "Best Courses You Can Play" in California. Playability, diversity, and excellent shot values are among the highlights of these desert masterpieces, featuring snowcapped mountain views and an unparalleled golf experience for the Society of Seniors field.

The event was held on both courses, with the Senior and Grand Masters divisions playing two rounds on the Players Course, one round on the Celebrity Course and the Super Seniors playing two rounds on Celebrity and one on Players.

Birmingham, AL’s Steve Hudson continued his winning ways with a 2-shot victory over Scottsdale, AZ’s Jeff New and Sunnyvale, CA’s Jim Knoll. This is Hudson’s second straight win in Society events, having won the Tutwiler Four-Ball in late March. Hudson has now won the Senior Masters three of the last four years (2014, 2016 and 2017).

Hudson opened with a four-under par 68, added a second round five-under par 67 for a six shot lead heading to the final. Hudson, the 2004, 2009 and 2010 Alabama Player of the Year, secured his victory with a final round 75. His 210 total was two shots better than New and Knoll and three shots better than Seattle’s Larry Daniels (73-70-70-213).

In the Super Senior Division, Las Vegas, NV’s Doug Pool kept it under par for three days with scores of 70-69-69. Pool’s 208 total was ten shots better than Dan Alpha, The Woodlands, TX, alone in second at 218. Alone in third after 54 holes was 2016 SOS Super Senior Player of the Year, Gary Kirwan, McKinney, TX. This was Pool’s second victory in the desert having won the Senior Division of the SOS Senior Masters in 2015.

Seventy three year old Frank Abbott, Las Vegas, NV was able to post rounds of 70-72-71 (213), good for a five shot victory over Gaylord Davis of Portland, OR (76-72-70 – 218) in the Grand Masters Division.