NorCal's Jensen Helps West Get Victory

Written by NCGA Staff | Nov 7, 2024 3:40:31 PM

At the prestigious 2024 East West Matches at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrolton, Texas, the West team won 24.5 points to 20.5 points. Northern California Mid-Amateur Michael Jensen helped lead the West to the win as he went 1-1-2 and earned two points. The Matches are played every two years.

The West now leads the series 2-1 in the event that players believe is now one of the preeminent national senior and mid-amateur team tournaments. Both mid-amateurs and senior amateurs were playing.

In the field were a combined total of 589 USGA tournament appearances and 23 USGA national titles.

“It's amazing to be a part of this event and I am very excited to be on the winning team because it was stressful,” Jensen said. “Playing in the East West Matches means a lot because I haven't played much this year because I have two young kids. For Brady to put me on the team was appreciated, and being a part of a great group of guys on both sides is something I will always remember. I thoroughly enjoyed the week.”

Jensen defeated Hayes Brown 4&3 in the singles.

The West had a one-point lead heading into the 18 singles matches on Sunday and won the final session 10.5 points to 7.5 points.

During the Saturday foursomes, the East team won the session 5 points to 4. In the first session, the West won the Friday morning fourball 5.5 points to 3.5 points. The teams split the foursomes session on Friday afternoon 4.5 points each.

The West captain was Brady Exber, a member of the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame and the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in addition to the National Senior Amateur Hall of Fame. The captain of the East was Nathan Smith, a 5-time USGA champion. Smith is also the captain of the 2025 Walker Cup team.