In Golfweek’s senior player-of-the-year races, the competition is tight in the Super Legends division, with only 110 points separating leader Johnny Blank from George Owens. Blank is aiming to secure his third consecutive season as the Super Legends Player of the Year, with key wins at events like the SOS Spring Classic and Super Senior. Additionally, Blank has been leading in the Southeast region, accumulating the most points for his performances.
The Golfweek Player of the Year honors are awarded in four age divisions: Senior, Super Senior, Legends, and Super Legends. The winners will be recognized at the Golfweek Player of the Year Classic at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate on January 16. In the Super Senior division, Jim Starnes from Fort Myers, Florida, has been dominating with 7,547 points, leading Greg Goode by 1,297 points. Starnes has secured victories at various events in the Southeast, as well as impressive finishes at competitions in the west.
To attain a Player of the Year title requires dedicated effort and consistent performance like that of Jim Starnes. He participates in numerous national senior events, four-ball competitions, and local tournaments to accumulate points throughout the year. Starnes, a known name in senior golf, has earned his place as a top contender, finishing third on the points list for his division in 2023 and winning the Senior Player of the Year title in 2016.
Kevin VandenBerg, from Pulaski, New York, has a substantial lead in the Senior division with nearly 3,000 points, positioning him well for a second consecutive year as Player of the Year. Since aging into senior competition in 2021, VandenBerg has not slowed down, participating in 44 competitions in 2023 alone. He is set to surpass that number this year with planned events and a remarkable record of top finishes in his recent starts.
VandenBerg’s impressive career in golf includes upcoming induction into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame for his accomplishments, such as sweeping Michigan’s major amateur tournaments in the summer of 2000. In the Legends division, Bev Hargraves of Little Rock, Arkansas, holds the lead over Don Donatoni of Malvern, Pennsylvania, by 950 points. Hargraves has notable wins at the 2024 Golfweek Player of the Year Classic, showcasing his skills and competitive edge in the division.
The dedication and consistency shown by top players like Johnny Blank, Jim Starnes, Kevin VandenBerg, and Bev Hargraves are essential in securing Player of the Year titles across different age divisions. Their commitment to competing in numerous events, both regionally and nationally, highlights their passion for the sport and drive for success in senior golf. With upcoming recognition at the Golfweek Player of the Year Classic, these players exemplify the high levels of competition and sportsmanship present in senior golf tournaments.
