Sacramento, CA — The 100th Annual California State Fair Golf Championship is reaching a fever pitch as players prepare for the final round later today at the storied MacKenzie Golf Course at Haggin Oaks. The three-day event, a staple of the California golf calendar since its inception, has seen fierce competition and high drama across its first two rounds.
Leading the pack heading into today’s final round is Charlie Berridge from Scarsdale, NY, who sits at 10-under-par. Berridge, a Senior at Cal Berkeley, is no stranger to high-pressure situations. In 2022, he claimed victory at the New York State Men’s Amateur in a record-breaking fashion, posting a 14-under performance, the lowest total score in the championship’s 99-year history. His calm demeanor and consistent play have put him in a prime position to etch his name on the historic Sacramento Clearing House trophy, alongside legends like Ken Venturi, George Archer, Kevin Sutherland, and Al Geiberger.
Just a stroke behind Berridge is Matthew Robles from Downey, CA, sitting at 9-under-par. Robles, a freshman at Santa Clara University, has quickly made a name for himself on the junior golf circuit. The 2023 AJGA Natural Delights Junior Open champion and four-time winner on the Toyota Tour Cup, Robles brings a youthful energy and competitive spirit to this year’s championship. His impressive resume includes the 2022 Southern California PGA Foundation Award and three top-five finishes on the AJGA, marking him as a formidable contender for today’s final round.
Tied for third place at 8-under-par are Christopher Chomyn of Irvine, CA, and Matt Cohn of San Francisco, CA. Chomyn, a senior at Stanislaus State, was named Stanislaus State Male Athlete of the Year last year and earned a spot on the PING/GCAA All-West Region First Team. His steady game and strong mental focus have kept him in contention throughout the first two rounds. Meanwhile, Cohn, the “old guy” amongst these collegiate players, brings a wealth of experience to the final round. Last year, he finally broke through after knocking on the door three times to win the NCGA Four-Ball Championship, showing that perseverance pays off.
Several other players remain within striking distance, tied for fifth at 7-under-par, including Chris Bettencourt (Clovis, CA), Domingo Jojola (Carmichael, CA), Ryan Firpo (Davis, CA), Emil Nielsen (Wellesley Hills, MA), and Mason Benbrook (Sacramento, CA). Their performances have been impressive, and any one of them could make a final-day surge to challenge for the title.
The California State Fair Golf Championship, held annually at the MacKenzie GC at Haggin Oaks, is a cherished tradition that has seen many great golfers take their place in history. The championship’s historic Sacramento Clearing House trophy is a symbol of golfing excellence, bearing the names of past champions who have gone on to have remarkable careers.
As the final round tees off later today on Labor Day, spectators and fans alike are eagerly awaiting to see who will rise to the occasion and join the ranks of California golf legends. Will it be the seasoned Berridge, the young upstart Robles, the steady Chomyn, or the experienced Cohn? Only time will tell as the players make their final push towards glory on this hallowed course.
