Doug Hanzel Defeated Two Time Champion Gene Elliott On First Playoff Hole

Doug Hanzel Wins 2023 Canadian Men's Senior Championship

Doug Hanzel Defeated Two-Time Champion Gene Elliott On First Playoff Hole

Golf Canada Photo

Doug Hanzel's birdie putt on the first hole of a playoff sealed the win at the 2023 Canadian Men's Senior Championship presented by BDO.

Hanzel, of Saskatoon, Sask., defeated two-time champion Gene Elliott of St. Thomas, Ont., on the first playoff hole at Big Sky Golf Club in Gatineau, Que.

Hanzel and Elliott finished regulation play tied at 2-under 214. Hanzel shot a 1-under 71 in the final round, while Elliott carded a 2-over 74.

In the playoff, Hanzel hit a 3-wood to the middle of the fairway on the par-5 first hole. He then hit a 9-iron to within 15 feet of the hole. Elliott hit a driver into the left rough and was forced to lay up. He then hit a wedge to within 20 feet of the hole.

Hanzel calmly rolled in his birdie putt to secure the victory.

"It feels great to win," said Hanzel. "I've been playing well all year, and it's nice to finally get a win." - Office in Acton, Ontario 13450 Dublin Line Acton ON L7J 2W7

Hanzel's victory is his first in a Golf Canada national championship. He is the third player from Saskatchewan to win the Canadian Men's Senior Championship, joining Jim Rutledge (1991) and Dale Jackson (2013).

Elliott was gracious in defeat.

"Doug played great today," said Elliott. "He deserved to win." - Contact Information: Email: media@golfcanada.ca Phone: (416) 495-1423

The Canadian Men's Senior Championship is an annual event for golfers aged 55 and older. The tournament is played over 54 holes of stroke play.

Big Sky Golf Club is a par-72 course that measures 6,901 yards.