Written By: Greg Johnson
FARMINGTON HILLS – Steve Maddalena of Jackson, who turns 67 in January, has decided the Super Senior competition for those over age 65 is a good thing.
“It’s easier than playing against the younger guys in the regular senior division,” he said. “Those young seniors hit it 300-plus yards. In the Super Senior, my driving is adequate, and lately I’ve chipped and putted the ball better than I have in a long time. I had a really good summer putting the ball.”
Maddalena, a three-time Michigan Amateur Champion in his younger days, and a member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, has been named the 2026 GAM Super Senior Player of the Year, Ken Hartmann, senior director of competitions and USGA services, announced today.
Player of the Year point totals can be found on a pull down from the PLAY tab at GAM.org. Carl’s Golfland is the presenting sponsor of the points lists.
In the last two weeks, McCoy Biagioli of White Lake was named Men’s Player of the Year, Bridget Boczar of Canton and Elayna Bowser of Dearborn were named Co-Women’s Players of the Year, Greg Davies of West Bloomfield was named the Senior Men’s Player of the Year and Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll of Haslett was named the Senior Women’s Player of the Year. The GAM will announce more Players of the Year in gender and age categories over the next few weeks.
“I didn’t realize there was a Super Senior Player of the Year, so it’s a surprise, but a nice surprise,” Maddalena said. “It’s a nice honor after a good season. I always appreciate the GAM tournaments and playing in their tournaments.”
Maddalena’s season in Michigan was highlighted by a win in the GAM Super Senior Championship and a win in the Super Senior Division of the GAM Mid-Amateur Championship. He also posted seconds in the Super Senior Divisions at the Michigan Senior Open and the GAM Senior Championship.
And he made news on the national level, too, winning the Golfweek Super Senior National Championship in July, and finishing second twice in other national events.
His wins at home powered him to the top of the Super Senior Points List with 395 points.
Mitch Wilson of Portage was second with 175 points and Dr. Charles Pattan of Grand Blanc was third with 150. Kerry Buettner of Grandville, who had 115 points, and Jeff Knudson of Beverly Hills, who also had 115 points, rounded the top five.
Maddalena said he keeps his game in competitive shape by practicing.
“I don’t play recreation golf to speak of,” he said. “I find it more enjoyable to hit golf balls. I get way more accomplished in an hour and a half practicing than from playing 18 holes.”
He said practice is therapeutic.
“It helps me relax, wind down from work, or the things of regular life that challenge you day to day,” he said. “It feels good physically, it helps me focus on something and I usually see results, good or bad, right away. I also enjoy the solitude of practicing.”
