Player of the Year - Bob Niger

Hometown: El Dorado Hills

Home course: Serrano CC

Profession: Wholesale Distribution

Points: 2,435 (1,300 more than the second-place finisher)

Wins: 12

Santa Rosa City
Livermore Valley
Wine Country Cup
Diablo Valley
Tulare County
California Mid-Amateur
Plumas Lake
Manteca City
Sacramento City
State Fair
NCGA Master Division
NCGA Valley Amateur

Top Tens: 11

NCGA Four-Ball – third place
San Joaquin County – fourth place
NCGA Stoke Play – ninth place
NCGA Match Play - quarterfinalist

Niger notched his fourth different NCGA title this year, one of two players to have this distinction.  

“I exceeded all goals by a long shot in 2006, it was an exceptional year. Winning the Player of the Year Award was a byproduct of meeting my goals.” 

“I never want to live anywhere else because the NCGA provides the best experience for serious amateur golfers.”

Senior Player of the Year - Gary Vanier

Hometown: Pleasant Hill

Home course: The Olympic Club

Profession: Stockbroker

Senior Points: 1,305 (38 more than the second-place finisher)

Wins: 1

NCGA Senior Valley Amateur

Top Tens:

State Senior – second place
NCGA Senior - second place
Antioch Master/Senior Four-Ball - second place
NCGA Stroke Play - fourth place
Alameda Commuters - eighth place
U.S. Senior Amateur - round of 16

Vanier earned player-of-the-year honors by virtue of his Valley Senior Amateur victory in the last week of the season. His first year of senior competition was also highlighted by strong performances in regular amateur events such as the NCGA Stroke Play and Alameda Commuters.

“I feel rejuvenated playing as a senior this year - I'm probably striking the ball as well as I ever have. I've been successful at every level I've played and I'm very proud of that.”