Oakmont's Sean Knapp wins PAGA senior golfer of year

The Pennsylvania Golf Association Senior Player of the Year needs no introduction.

Oakmont’s Sean Knapp has been winning local, state and national championships for decades, so his sixth straight award should come as no surprise.

The Hannastown Golf Club member always finds a way to contend, and if he doesn’t win, he’s probably within earshot of the lead.

While this wasn’t his best year, it was consistent and steady.

Knapp finished second in the Senior Amateur and tied for third at the Senior Open.

He also piled up points by reaching the Round of 16 at the U.S. Senior Amateur.

Knapp ended with 809.5 points, well ahead of second-place Jeff Frazier of Carlisle Country Club (575).

“There were no specific highlights this year,” Knapp told the PAGA. “I’m just happy to be consistent. I wish I would’ve won more events but if you play well in every event, the player of the year takes care of itself.”

Knapp, 60, appreciates the journey but understands the demands it takes to keep it going.

“It feels really good to be able to play at this level (55 to 60 years old),” Knapp said. “You recognize that you’ve only got so many years to be competitive as new players come into the age group every year.”

Duke standout John Peters, of Carlisle Country Club, was the PAGA’s W.C. Fownes, Jr. Amateur Player of the Year.

Diamond Run’s Rick Stimmel finished second.

Brian Rothaus, from Five Ponds Golf Club, was the Super Senior Division winner.