Van Thomas is the 2021 SoCal Open Champion!
May 11th-13th, 2021 | Indian Wells Golf Resort
2021 SoCal Open Champion, Van Thomas of Las Vegas, NV INDIAN WELLS, CA ( MAY 13, 2021) – Van Thomas of Las Vegas, Nevada, is the 2021 SoCal Open Champion after a 54-hole total of -15 under par, with rounds of 65, 67, and 68 at Indian Wells Golf Resort!
The revitalized Southern California Open saw a 288 player field, playing 54-hole’s for a piece of the $100,000 purse. Founded in 1913, the event found new life after Jason Gore’s 2013 victory at Monarch Beach Golf Links & Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club after a brief hiatus. With a storied history that includes past champions such as Billy Casper (68′), Gene Littler (64′) , Al Geiberger (62′), Ken Venturi (61′), and Olin Dutra (32′).
With a blazing run down the stretch in regulation, Thomas birdied holes #15, #16, and #17 to join the three-way playoff with Mark Anguiano of Los Angeles and Dalan Refioglu of Foster City who were also in the clubhouse at 15-under par for the Championship.
The playoff began on the par-4 18th, where Thomas sunk a clutch 18ft birdie putt to close out the victory and will now join a growing list of strong players who are etched into history of the Open.
When asked about his new SoCal Open championship title, Thomas said, “It’s good to know that hard work pays off. I’ve spent a lot of time playing in SoCal and during the playoff I knew someone was gonna make a good putt, and it turned out to be me. The SCPGA really knows how to run a great event, and this golf course in particular was playing fantastic.”
Low Amateur honors go to Caden Fioroni of San Diego, with his -12 under-par, 5th place finish after posting rounds of 65, 68, and 70. “I was just hitting it really good, and overall this has just been a wonderful experience competing in the SoCal Open and taking the Low-Am title.” Caden was six shots clear of the nearest amateur.
Grateful appreciation to our partners for this event with California Canopy. Thank you to the Rules Committee for their dedication and long hours with Chairman Ron O’Connor, PGA, Gary Albin, Lee Wortman, Keith Reinking and Harrison Heublein.
Special thanks to host facility Indian Wells Golf Resort PGA Professionals Joe Williams and Marissa Patterson-Egner along with the entire maintenance crew for the fantastic course conditions for the week.