HILLSBOROUGH, NJ….After an erratic first round that produced a hole-in-one, an eagle and two birdies in a four-hole stretch but resulted in a 73, Carl Pedersen of Chelsea Piers came back with a solid two-under par 70 (35-35) to capture the 5th MGA Senior Open Championship on Royce Brook Golf Club's spectacular West Course.

Pedersen started today's final round three shots behind first round leader Bobby Heins of Old Oaks (70) and started as the second to last group off the tenth tee paired with Crestmont's Peter Famiano.  "I really enjoyed playing with Peter today.  After the ups and downs I had yesterday I just wanted to come out and play the golf course and not worry about my score," the native of Navarre, Florida said after receiving his $5,000 first place prize.

The 59-year old made four birdies on the day against only one bogey, none more important than the up and down birdie from 108-yards out on the par-five ninth - his last hole of the day - which put him in the clubhouse with the lead while he waited for the final groups to finish.

The day's final pairing, off the first tee, of Heins and Don Brigham of Rumson each had their chances to take home their first MGA Senior title.  However, putting problems led to both of their demise.  Heins, a two-time Met Open champion, had a chance to send the tournament to extra holes with an eight-foot birdie put on the last hole.  It was not meant to be, as his birdie bid slid by the hole giving him a par-five and a two-day total of even-par 144 (70-74).  "The putter definitely was not my best friend today," the Senior PGA tour hopeful said after finishing the day with four three-putt greens. 

Brigham (71-73) joined Heins in a four-way tie for second at 144 with Tom Joyce of Glen Oaks (72-72) and Jai Sung Choi of Haworth (72-72).  Edward Bass of Ardsley finished at two-over par 146 (72-74) to claim low amateur honors.  The day's fireworks came from six-time New Jersey Amateur champion Bob Housen of Manasquan River who made a hole-in-one on the 162-yard eighth while Michael DiBuono of Pound Ridge carded an ace of his own on the 191-yard third hole.

When asked to summarize his experience at Royce Brook, the newly crowned champ commented, "Royce Brook is truly a top-notch facility.  I've never received such a warm welcome like I have the last two days.  The only bad thing is that I have to go back to work tomorrow."

The 176-man field was cut to the low 45 scores plus ties after yesterday's first round, with a total of 51 golfers who shot 77 or better advancing to today's final round to compete for the record $25,000 purse.