Keith Anderson of Makawao defeated Ken Zecchini of Waimea on the first playoff hole to win the 2025 U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier at Makani Golf Club on Wednesday. Photo courtesy Hawaii State Golf Association

It wasn’t necessarily pretty, but when it came down to crunch time, Keith Anderson was ready.

A self-admitted “nervous Nelly” on the golf course, Anderson shot a 73 at the Makani Golf Club in Kailua-Kona on Wednesday to qualify for the 70th annual U.S. Senior Amateur Tournament in San Antonio, Texas, in late August.

Anderson said he has family who live there, and he knows, “it’s going to be a little bit hot.”

Anderson, 68, of Makawao, defeated Ken Zecchini on the first playoff hole to earn the lone qualifying spot.

“It’s very exciting,” he said. “I’ve been playing for a while and I’ve won some Maui amateur senior division (tournaments), but this is the first time I’ve qualified for the United States Golf Association event.”

Golfers are eligible for senior events at age 55, and Anderson said defeating some of the “younger” golfers was quite satisfying. He added that the path to winning was not exactly his proudest moment.

“We both hacked it up a bit,” he said, while praising Zecchini as a great competitor.

The playoff occurred on the 17th hole, which is known as a replica of the island green par 3 at TPC Sawgrass in Florida.

Ryan Nagata of the Hawaii State Golf Association admitted the day had its imperfect golf moments.

“It certainly provided some drama when Ken seemingly gave away the lead by hitting three consecutive shots into the pond,” he said. “Keith’s tee shot barely made it across the water but ended up in a difficult lie in the rough.”

Nagata said Anderson subsequently chunked his chip into the pot bunker and then bladed the bunker shot into the water across the green. He managed to compose himself after taking a drop and got up and down for a six to secure the win.

Anderson owns South Maui Golf and Repair at the Maui Nui Golf Club in Kihei.

‘I’ve been a golf club mechanic for 25 years, so I get to rub elbows with some of the better golfers,” he said. “The key is to have a short memory and lots of confidence.”

Anderson said jokingly that he was lowering his expectations for Texas coming off his victory at Makani Gold Club, but he added, “It is definitely a bucket list item to say you had the chance to play in a championship tournament.”