After six rounds of golf across four days at Camelback Golf Club's Ambiente Course, three champions were crowned Wednesday at the 47th Arizona Match Play Championship.
Scott Cahill captured the Open Division title, Jeff Benton reclaimed the Senior Division crown, and David Rasley prevailed in the Legends Division after an impressive week of match play.
RESULTS
Cahill Continues Championship Season
Scott Cahill added another prestigious title to an already impressive season, defeating Jackson Pieratt 3&1 in the Open Division championship match.
After advancing through six rounds of match play, Cahill credited his strong ball striking and steady play under pressure for his success.
"I got hot for a few days which always helps in match play," Cahill said. "Once we got down the stretch here these last few rounds, I just needed to keep it in the middle of the green. I was up early in most of the matches and was able to hang on."
The victory marks Cahill's second AZ GOLF championship of the year after winning the Arizona Mid-Amateur Championship earlier this season. While he believes the Mid-Am was a tougher title to win, he noted that match play brings its own unique challenges.
"Match play is a different kind of test and a different level of stress, especially coming down the stretch. They were both difficult."
Jeff Benton captured the Senior Division title, earning his second Arizona Match Play Championship after previously winning the event in 2023.
Benton relied on a disciplined, hole-by-hole approach throughout the week, never allowing himself to look too far ahead.
"It's hole to hole," Benton said. "You are just trying to win that hole you are on and not worry about what you've played or what's ahead of you."
His steady mindset paid off as he navigated six rounds of competition to claim the Senior Division title.
David Rasley completed an outstanding four-day performance by winning the Legends Division title, defeating Marc Apps 2&1 in the championship match. He embraced the demanding schedule of six rounds in four days.
"At 78 years old, playing six rounds in that timeframe is pretty tough, but I don’t change much."
Rather than overhauling his routine, Rasley simply scaled back his practice volume and trusted the play that brought him to the championship.
"I just tried to do what I normally do and hope I made it to the end, which I did."
Known for his strong wedge play, Rasley said Camelback's Ambiente Course suited his game well, leaving him with numerous approach shots from 100 yards and in. Although he considers putting the weakest part of his game, he found confidence on the greens the week, an important factor in his championship run.