2021 NYS Men's Senior Amateur Championships Program by NYSGA

2021

NEW YORK STATE

SENIOR AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

CONDUCTED BY THE The Powelton Club - Newburgh, New York

August 3-5, 2021

To all the participants, spectators, and volunteers, I bid you welcome to the New York State Men's Senior Amateur Championships. The New York State Golf Association is privileged to join with the management and staff of The Powelton Club to provide a memorable challenge in crowning New York’s premier senior golfers.

It is a great pleasure to return to this historic Deveraux Emmett design, which has been the site of memorable New York State Championships like the 2002 and 2007 Men's Senior and Super Senior Amateur Championships.

On behalf of the entire New York State Golf Association, I would like to offer our appreciation and thanks to the management, clubhouse staff, Golf Professional staff, and especially the course grounds crew of Powelton, whose combined efforts has provided us with this wonderful venue in the Hudson Valley.

As past experience has demonstrated, we certainly expect an exciting championship competition, which will challenge the golfers to employ all of their golfing skills.

Additional thanks go out to our dedicated NYSGA staff who, with our tournament volunteers, work so hard to provide a tournament worthy of its talented competitors.

This is a wonderful opportunity to put the past year of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us and focus on the true enjoyment that the game of golf brings us. So, here’s wishing all the participants the best of luck and, no matter the outcome, please enjoy this experience and the great memories this beautiful venue will bring you.

Sincerely,

Joe Enright, President New York State Golf Association

NYSGA Officers

President

Joseph Enright, Lancaster CC

1st Vice President

Henry Fust, Onondaga G&CC

2nd Vice President

Jamie Miller, Crag Burn GC

Treasurer

Robert Smith, Highland Park GC

General Counsel

Peter Jones, Drumlins CC

Secretary

Iris Stanek, Lancaster CC

NYSGA Executive Committee

Shawn Baker, Oak Hill CC

Lee Bearsch, Binghamton CC

John Cooney, Burden Lake CC

Ryan Gabel, Trump National - HV

Jim Gifford, Mohawk GC

Lawrence Lessing, The Creek

Christy Schultz, Oak Hill CC

Frank Suits, Cortland CC

Doug Vergith, Chautauqua GC

Rich Weber, Brookfield CC

Brian Williams, Winged Foot CC

Warren Winslow, Western Turnpike GC

Tom Andrews

Michael Aquino

Fred Arliss

Larry Arliss

Christine Badger

Ray Badger

John Barry

John Bartholomew

Lee Bearsch

David Beattie

Al Belair

Marci Bevilacqua

Doreen Biviano

John Blain

Vincent Bonvino

Timothy Brady

Robert Branham

Daniel Bronchetti

Gene Bullis

John Bullis

John Burns

Ron Case

Sue Chambers

Michael Chianelli

Brian Clark

Matt Clarke

James Coleman

Andrew Conway

James Cook

John Cooney

Glenn Coons

Thomas Cotter

George Cretekos

Jerry Danielski

John Davis

NYSGA Staff

Bill Moore Executive Director

Andrew Hickey

Assistant Executive Director

Dan Thompson Director of Marketing and Partnerships

Jack Travers Manager of Competitions

Kara Cushman Foundation Manager

Mark Ackley Manager of Course Rating

Deb Spilman Office Manager

Jack Margaros Communications Intern

Dan Mort

USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Intern

Michael Dirkes

USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Intern

NYSGA Sectional Affairs Committee

Garrett Davitt

Ellen Densen

Dick Desorbo

Gerry Dewolf

Todd Dischinger

Michael Donnelly

Richard Dorgan

Michael Drennen

Georgia Dusckas

Tom Eckert

John Ernst

Ed Evans

Vie Evans

Michael Fitzgerald

Mark Fitzgerald

Georgette Folley

Bob Forward

Tim Frank

John Gaffney

Tom Gallagher

Richard Galvin

Bill Geider

John Grajko

Walter Grajko

Brad Griffin

Greg Harden

David Hayes

Joe Hazard

Sherry Heath

Jeff Holmes

Braden Houston

Marge Hubbell

Bob Hubbell

John Hudacs

Al Huggard

Don Hurley

Eric Ingalls

John Kaeselau

Bill Kaminski

Robert Kawa

Tim Kayes

Stephen Keeler

Mary Ann Keeler

David Kokes

Edward Koslick

John Kulesa

Nan Lanahan

Tom Lanahan

Janis Luce

Ron Mack

Kevin Mahoney

Shari Mantini

Susan Marsh

Robert Martin

Ron Mason

Pat Mayne

Jim McConnell

Pat Mckenna

James McKillip

Jim Meyers

Gene Meyle

Ginny Meyle

Bill Moore, Sr.

Bill Moreland

Gregory Moreland

Albert Mowery

Jim Murrett

Richard North

Tom Owen

Shelly Pargh

Joe Pucello

John Quijano

Nick Raasch

Bob Raimo

John Reagan

Tom Reidy

Joseph Riccio

Gary Rider

Robert Rosen

Sean Rotella

Chris Schmidt

Tim Schum

Patrick Shatzel

Martin Siefka

Bob Simms

Sue Sims

John Sniezyk

Ron Socash

Don Sommerville

Jerry Stahl

Edward Stanek

Al Stockholm

Nancy Stockholm

Peter Stoj

Joe Szyikowski

Thelma Taylor

John Teegardin

Edward Thaney

John Urtz

David Vaneenenaam

Mona Wasserman

Rich Weber

John Wheeler

Richard Wilson

CONDITIONS OF PLAY

Eligibility

The Championship is open to male amateur golfers who are at least 55 years old, are members of the NYSGA (defined as either belonging to an NYSGA member club or joining the NYSGA directly as an eClub member), and have an active USGA Handicap Index issued by the NYSGA member club.

Format

These Championships will be conducted over 54 holes of individual stroke play. There is a cut after 36 holes to the low 50% and ties of each division.

Championships

There are two separate divisions in this Championship:

64th NYS Men's Senior Amateur Championship (ages 55+)

25th NYS Men's Super Senior Amateur Championship (ages 65+)

In addition to competing in one of the Championship divisions listed above, players will also compete within the following age divisions: 5559, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+.

Schedule of Events

Monday, August 2

9:00-4:00pm............Registration

10:00-3:00pm.........Practice rounds

Tuesday, August 3

7:30-9:00am............Round 1, tees #1 and #10

11:00-3:00pm.........Player lunch

12:00-1:30pm.........Round 1, tees #1 and #10

Wednesday, August 4

7:30-9:00am............Round 2, tees #1 and #10

11:00-3:00pm.........Player lunch

12:00-1:30pm.........Round 2, tees #1 and #10

Thursday, August 5

7:30-9:00am............Round 3, tees #1 and #10

11:00-3:00pm.........Player lunch 2:30pm.......................Award ceremony

The Powelton Club developed slowly beginning with the site of the Powelton House, a resort hotel that had burned in 1870. It gradually took land from the surrounding Powelton Farms as the golf course was expanded. The growing club had two tennis courts, a windmill to water the courts and a summerhouse to provide shelter for its guests.

In April of 1892, The Powelton Club received its charter and seal of incorporation. Maude Ramsdell designed a five – hole golf course on the property. In November of 1895, the first handicap tournament was held, only to end in a tie. As the popularity of golf grew, a nine – hole course was created the following year. In 1899, The Powelton Club joined the Metropolitan Golf Association as one of its earliest members.

By 1902, eight golf clubs in the area met to form the Hudson River Golf Association. The club had become an active member of the United States Golf Association in 1915. The golf committee secured the services of George Merritt, "a prominent Golf Professional" This was the beginning of having an established golf professional on the property throughout the season.

In 1921, Devereaux Emmet was hired to design a new golf course. The new eighteen – hole course was officially opened in May of 1926. In 2017, the Powelton Club celebrated its 135th Anniversary.

Thank you to the staff at Powelton for hosting this year’s championship!

Charlie Poole Golf Professional

Chris Diesing General Manager

Vincent Barnaba Golf Course Superintendent

Mike Chianelli Championship Chairman

The Powelton Club is located in Newburgh, New York.

Men’s Senior Amateur Championship

Past Champions of the New York State

1940 Onondaga G&CC LeRoy C. Crim, Binghamton

1941 CC of Troy Sherrill Sherman, Utica

Senior Amateur Championship

1997 Cedar Lake Club Don Allen, Rochester

SENIOR DIVISION

1942 Niagara Falls CC Duane L. Tower, Niagara Falls

1998 Midvale CC James Infantino, Rochester

1999 Stafford CC James Infantino, Rochester

Year Host Club Champion Year Host Club Champion

1943 Lake Placid Club F. R. Ryan, Roslyn, L.G.

1944 Lake Placid Club Duane L. Tower, Niagara Falls

1940 Onondaga G&CC LeRoy C. Crim, Binghamton

2000 McConnellsville GC Charles Connolly, Queensbury

2001 Niagara Falls CC John Baldwin, New York

1997 Cedar Lake Club Don Allen, Rochester

1945 Oak Hill CC (East) Duane L. Tower, Niagara Falls

1941 CC of Troy Sherrill Sherman, Utica

1946 Yahnundasis GC Duane L. Tower, Niagara Falls

1942 Niagara Falls CC Duane L. Tower, Niagara Falls

1947 Westchester CC Jack A. Ahern, Hamburg

1943 Lake Placid Club F. R. Ryan, Roslyn, L.G.

1948 Brookfield CC William B. Stark, Syracuse

1944 Lake Placid Club Duane L. Tower, Niagara Falls

1949 Lakeshore Yacht & CC Noble Miller, Canandaigua

1945 Oak Hill CC (East) Duane L. Tower, Niagara Falls

1950 Binghamton CC Ted Stacy, Binghamton

1946 Yahnundasis GC Duane L. Tower, Niagara Falls

1951 Knollwood CC Al Manginnes, Elmsford

1947 Westchester CC Jack A. Ahern, Hamburg

1952 Oak Hill CC (East) Ed Randall, Rochester

1948 Brookfield CC William B. Stark, Syracuse

1953 Oak Hill CC (West) Mid O’Hare, Syracuse

1949 Lakeshore Yacht & CC Noble Miller, Canandaigua

1954-1969: Run under other auspices

1950 Binghamton CC Ted Stacy, Binghamton

1970 Lake Placid Club Jack Hendry, Syracuse

1951 Knollwood CC Al Manginnes, Elmsford

1971 Concord Course Jack Hendry, Syracuse

1952 Oak Hill CC (East) Ed Randall, Rochester

1972 Leatherstocking GC Burt Kling, Rochester

1953 Oak Hill CC (West) Mid O’Hare, Syracuse

2002 Powelton Club Alan Foster, Manlius

1998 Midvale CC James Infantino, Rochester

2003 Normanside CC Richard Couch, Oneonta

1999 Stafford CC James Infantino, Rochester

2004 Lakeshore CC Michael Daniels, Albany

2000 McConnellsville GC Charles Connolly, Queensbury

2005 Vestal Hills CC Larry Gresham, Conklin

2001 Niagara Falls CC John Baldwin, New York

2002 Powelton Club Alan Foster, Manlius

2006 Lafayette CC Donald Van Gorder, Ithaca

2007 Powelton Club Ron Bayer, Newburgh

2003 Normanside CC Richard Couch, Oneonta

2008 Normanside CC Charles Connolly, Queensbury

2004 Lakeshore CC Michael Daniels, Albany

2009 Stafford CC Matthew Haefele, Bergen

2005 Vestal Hills CC Larry Gresham, Conklin

2010 Wayne Hills CC Charles Connolly, Queensbury

2006 Lafayette CC Donald Van Gorder, Ithaca

2007 Powelton Club Ron Bayer, Newburgh

2011 Vestal Hills CC David Benedict, Honeoye Falls

2012 Wolferts Roost CC Steve Nosonowicz, Pleasant Valley

2008 Normanside CC Charles Connolly, Queensbury

2013 Normanside CC Frank Broderick, East Aurora

2009 Stafford CC Matthew Haefele, Bergen

2014 Cedar Lake Club Frank Plata, Cazenovia

2010 Wayne Hills CC Charles Connolly, Queensbury

1973 River Oaks GC Ed Walsh, Fulton

1954-1969: Run under other auspices

1974 Grossinger's CC Ray Billows, Poughkeepsie

1970 Lake Placid Club Jack Hendry, Syracuse

1975 En-Joie GC Burt Kling, Rochester

1971 Concord Course Jack Hendry, Syracuse

1976 McGregor Links CC Jack Creary, Tuckahoe

1972 Leatherstocking GC Burt Kling, Rochester

2014 Onondaga G&CC Tom Fletcher, Syracuse

2011 Vestal Hills CC David Benedict, Honeoye Falls

2016 Brookfield CC Paul Pratico, Schenectady

2012 Wolferts Roost CC Steve Nosonowicz, Pleasant Valley

2017 Crag Burn GC Dave Prowler, Manhasset

2013 Normanside CC Frank Broderick, East Aurora

2018 Mohawk GC Robert Hughes, Watertown

2014 Cedar Lake Club Frank Plata, Cazenovia

1977 Skaneateles CC John Simonaitis, DeWitt

1973 River Oaks GC Ed Walsh, Fulton

1978 McGregor Links CC Anthony Maragno, Gloversville

1974 Grossinger's CC Ray Billows, Poughkeepsie

2019 Cavalry Club Daniel Russo, Hagaman

2014 Onondaga G&CC Tom Fletcher, Syracuse

2020 Suspended for COVID-19 pandemic

2016 Brookfield CC Paul Pratico, Schenectady

1979 Dutchess G&CC William Bogle, Poughkeepsie

1975 En-Joie GC Burt Kling, Rochester

2017 Crag Burn GC Dave Prowler, Manhasset

1980 Briar Hill CC William Bogle, Poughkeepsie

1976 McGregor Links CC Jack Creary, Tuckahoe

1981 Oneonta CC Don Martin, Buffalo

1977 Skaneateles CC John Simonaitis, DeWitt

1982 Corning CC Robert Hoff, Rochester

1978 McGregor Links CC Anthony Maragno, Gloversville

1983 Onondaga G&CC William Bogle, Poughkeepsie

1979 Dutchess G&CC William Bogle, Poughkeepsie

1984 Deerfield CC Robert Hoff, Rochester

1980 Briar Hill CC William Bogle, Poughkeepsie

1985 Moon Brook CC Jack Klink, Syracuse

1981 Oneonta CC Don Martin, Buffalo

1986 Edison Club Jack Hoff, Rochester

1982 Corning CC Robert Hoff, Rochester

1987 Cortland CC Robert Hoff, Rochester

1983 Onondaga G&CC William Bogle, Poughkeepsie

1988 Stafford CC Gerald Perkins, LeRoy

1984 Deerfield CC Robert Hoff, Rochester

1989 Elmira CC Gerald Perkins, LeRoy

1985 Moon Brook CC Jack Klink, Syracuse

1986 Edison Club Jack Hoff, Rochester

1990 Teugega CC Robert Gunnell, Jamestown

1991 Ontario GC Gerald Perkins, LeRoy

1987 Cortland CC Robert Hoff, Rochester

1992 Wellsville CC Gerald Perkins, LeRoy

1988 Stafford CC Gerald Perkins, LeRoy

1989 Elmira CC Gerald Perkins, LeRoy

1993 Bellevue CC Robert Gunnell, Jamestown

1994 Blue Heron Hills GC Don Allen, Rochester

1990 Teugega CC Robert Gunnell, Jamestown

1991 Ontario GC Gerald Perkins, LeRoy

1995 Colonie G&CC John Pretak, Poughkeepsie

1996 Westwood CC Don Allen, Rochester

1992 Wellsville CC Gerald Perkins, LeRoy

1993 Bellevue CC Robert Gunnell, Jamestown

Championship

1994 Blue Heron Hills GC Don Allen, Rochester

1995 Colonie G&CC John Pretak, Poughkeepsie

Year Host Club Champion

1996 Westwood CC Don Allen, Rochester

1997 Cedar Lake Club Don Allen, Rochester

1998 Midvale CC James Infantino, Rochester

1999 Stafford CC James Infantino, Rochester

2000 McConnellsville GC Charles Connolly, Queensbury

2001 Niagara Falls CC John Baldwin, New York

2002 Powelton Club Alan Foster, Manlius

2003 Normanside CC Richard Couch, Oneonta

SUPER SENIOR

2018 Mohawk GC Robert Hughes, Watertown

Men’s Super Senior Amateur

2019 Cavalry Club Daniel Russo, Hagaman

2020 Suspended for COVID-19 pandemic

Year Host

1996 Westwood CC Bob Lindahl, Cortland

1997 Cedar Lake Club Robert Hoff, Rochester

1998 Midvale CC Hank Malfa, Mamaroneck

1999 Stafford CC Hank Malfa, Mamaroneck

2000 McConnellsville GC Hank Malfa, Mamaroneck

2001 Niagara Falls CC Coville Windsor, Seneca Falls

2002 Powelton Club Robert Botsford, Poughkeepsie

2003 Normanside CC Ralph Maru, Mechanicville

2004 Lakeshore CC Alfred Audi, Fayetteville

2005 Vestal Hills CC Perry Noun, Oswego

2006 Lafayette CC John Dennett, Lake George

2007 Powelton Club Mickey Gallagher, Groton

2008 Normanside CC Mickey Gallagher, Groton

2009 Stafford CC Alan Foster, Manlius

2010 Wayne Hills CC Charles Connolly, Queensbury

2011 Vestal Hills CC Charles Connolly, Queensbury

2012 Wolferts Roost CC Charles Connolly, Queensbury

2013 Normanside CC Earl Winchester, Glenmont

2014 Cedar Lake Club Randy Young, Jamesville

2015 Onondaga G&CC John Hathway, Brantingham

2016 Brookfield CC Jim Smith, East Aurora

2017 Crag Burn GC Jim Smith, East Aurora

2018 Mohawk GC Jim Hamburger, Poughkeepsie

2019 Cavalry Club John Hamilton, Tuckahoe

2020 Suspended for COVID-19 pandemic

380 YARDS

Hole 1 is a long Par 4 with an incline in the last 150 yards which makes for a challenging approach shot, as you will have little visibility of the flag. It is the 7th handicap hole and an excellent one to start your round. Your tee shot should be played to the right side of the fairway to avoid the weeping willow tree on the left side. When choosing your club for your second shot, keep in mind the yardage plays longer due to the incline. Be sure to steer clear of the bunker on the right. The green itself is fairly level.

OAK ORCHARD

258 YARDS

Hole 2 is a tough but short Par 4. It is the 17th handicap hole. Being downhill from the tee you may be tempted to go for the green, but this presents a challenging tee shot that can find itself snubbed by a bunker guarding the green. Your best chance at Par is to lay-up in the center of the fairway and hit your second shot up a steep incline to the green. Be careful not to hit it above the cup on this green. The green on this hole is particularly challenging with a steep northward facing slope.

196 YARDS

151 YARDS

Hole 3 is a long Par three that is the 11th handicap hole. From 196 yards, your downhill tee shot is manageable but bunkers on either side of this green present a challenge to those with straying tee shots. Once on the green you will be faced with a tiered green and depending on the day’s pin placement, either a steep putt up to the pin or a relentless putt down.

4 #3 PAR 3 #4 PAR 5

460 YARDS

Hole 4 is a long Par 5 which begins with an uphill tee shot and leaves your second shot hitting blind over the peak of the hill into the final stretch of this sloping fairway. If you can, avoid the deep bunkers on the right and left side of the green as it represents an extreme challenge for even the most skilled sand player to get up and down. If your approach shot does stick to the green, you may find yourself with a manageable putt on this relatively level green.

TAYLOR

400 YARDS

325 YARDS

Hole 5 is the 3rd handicap hole. It begins with a tight tee so it will demand a fairly straight drive off the tee. The fairway is narrowly lined with mature maple trees on either side. Your second shot opens up to a downhill finish to the green and depending where you are may play less than the actual yardage. Bunkers flank both sides of this moderately sloped green.

354 YARDS

304 YARDS

The Par 4 is named after course architect Devereaux Emmet. Choose the placement of your tee shot carefully on this hole. A well placed tee shot on the right side of the fairway will leave you in an excellent position to stick this narrow green on your approach shot. Should you be unfortunate enough to hit your tee shot to the left side of the fairway your approach shot will prove to be daunting as the narrow green is tightly flanked with deep bunkers in the front leaving little room for error on this narrow green. A front right or back shelf pin requires an accurate approach for a make able birdie putt.

SLEEPY

4 #7 PAR 3 #8 PAR 4

176 YARDS

160 YARDS

Our signature hole, a Par 3, is the 9th handicap hole. From the tee box you stand eye level with the green, 187 yards away. The fairway dips and rises back up to the green which is heavily guarded by trees on the right side and bunkers in the front and left side of the green. If you are lucky enough to stick the green from the tee, you have avoided a challenging second shot onto the green from a blind position. Once on the green be cautious of the slope as it can be deceiving. If you make the mistake of going long and over the green, your putt will be challenged to get up and down for par.

347 YARDS

With mountain views from this elevated tee box, Hole 8 is the 13th handicap hole and runs parallel with Chestnut Lane. With out of bounds to the left, you will want to carry the hill on your tee shot to set yourself up for a fairly straight forward second shot. The green is large and presents challenges to those less confident in their putting. The green has a steady slope up from front to back that will make putting difficult. If the pin is on the back tier, the tee shot must carry all the way as the swale absorbs the energy from a slightly mishit shot.

POWELTON WEST POINT

430 YARDS

This long Par 4, 9th hole, is the 1st handicap hole of the course. It runs along historic Balmville Road and is lined with majestic Catalpa trees. Without an accurately placed tee shot, reaching the green on this Par 4 will be ominous. Play this hole up the right hand of the fairway to avoid a difficult approach to the green as a tree hangs its limbs into the fairway about 75 yards in front of the green – just enough to force you to rethink your approach shot.

364 YARDS

374 YARDS

The back nine begins on this par four 10th handicap hole. This tee shot lends itself to an opportunity to let loose with your driver. Avoid hitting your ball to the right side of the fairway as the natural slope and trees lining the right side of the fairway will present problems with your second shot. The approach will generally call for a mid-iron to an elevated green protected by steep slopes in all directions. Land this front-to-back tiered green on your approach shot and you could be in great shape for a birdie.

RAMSDELL WALDRON

#9 PAR 4 #10 PAR 4 #11 PAR 5 #12 PAR 4

491 YARDS

443 YARDS

Hole 11, par 5 is the 12th handicap hole of the course. Your tee shot should easily carry the creek running in front of and along the 11th fairway. Be careful as the tee lines you up directly with the perfectly placed bunker on the right side of the fairway. Your second shot will leave you deciding on playing your next shot over the cart path or laying-up in front of the path. With out of bounds to the left, make sure you make the right decision.

425 YARDS

This 12th hole, par 4, is the 2nd handicap of the course. Reaching this green in two will require a perfectly placed tee shot and a lengthy approach to this uphill green. Play your drive to right side of the fairway as this is the shortest route to the green. The 12th fairway is lined on one side with trees and brush and the other side with a creek. Once on top of the hill the player is rewarded with a flat but quick green.

BLIND SHOT

425 YARDS

369 YARDS

This par 4 is the 4th handicap hole. Beginning from an elevated tee box your tee shot will have to carry the creek that runs in front of the beginning of the fairway. You’ll want to keep your tee shot to the left of center on this fairway to avoid making your “blind shot” even more troublesome. Up and over the hill the green lies with little protection, but a deceiving slope running from right to left will require your concentration and a precise shot to hold the green.

171 YARDS

This par three measuring 171 yards from the white tees is the #18 handicap hole. The elevated tee shot lends itself well to a mid-iron shot to the green that runs from front to back. Beware of the two sand traps protecting the front of this green. Only a narrow patch of grass separates the traps. The putting surface is fairly level but depending on where the pin is located can make a difference but should allow for a good birdie or par opportunity.

379 YARDS

354 YARDS

This par four is the 8th handicap hole of the course. Your tee shot will be fairly open after you clear the burn. You’ll want to be right of center on this dogleg- left to have a good opportunity at a decent approach shot. The last 150 yard of this hole are gently sloping towards a pond which flanks this narrow green. Keep your approach shot straight. If you stray too far right you’ll end up in or maneuvering around the water hazard. Too far left and you’ll have a sand trap and steep incline to contend with.

PAR 4 #14 PAR 3 #15 PAR 4 #16 PAR 3

171 YARDS

124 YARDS

This deceivingly straight-forward par 3 plays 171 yards from the tee, and is the 16th handicap hole on the course. You’ll be hitting below to a green guarded on the left side and rear by sand traps and right side by the “pond.” One of the more challenging on the course, this green has a steep incline from back to front making your birdie or par putt challenging for golfers with great confidence in their short game.

400 YARDS

363 YARDS

Hole 17 is the 6th handicap hole and plays 413 yards from the white tees. The tee shot appears straight-forward but be careful of the tree limbs hanging out on the right side. You’ll want to fade your tee shot around these limbs into the center of the fairway to be in a great position for your approach shot. Beware of the burn crossing the fairway about 250 yards out. This challenging approach shot will require accuracy as you’ll have to navigate the bunkers on the right and left side of this green.

PAR 4 #18 PAR 4

304 YARDS

The final hole is the 14th handicap hole and plays 304 yards from the white tees. Your tee shot on this dog leg right should fade slightly to the right to avoid running off the left into the rough. A well placed tee shot will be left with a manageable approach shot as long as the sand traps in the front of the green are avoided. Once on the green a gently sloping surface should allow for a great chance at par.

Each hole includes yardages for both the senior and super senior divisions.

6,124

5,742

RUSSO CLINCHES FIRST STATE TITLE

Daniel Russo of Schuyler Meadows Club captured his first state title at the 2019 NYS Men’s Senior Amateur Championship at Cavalry Club in Manlius.

The 61-year-old was the leader after 36 holes and became the champion after the final round was cancelled due to rain on Thursday. He finished at 1-over 145 (72-73).

“Getting older, you never know if you’re going to win again. To win statewide, it’s very exciting for me,” he mentioned of the victory.

Groups were called off the golf course at 10am, about 30 minutes after the leaders teed off, as heavy rain led to puddling that slowly emerged on greens around the course. After over an hour in a delay, the tournament committee attempted to begin play again, but continued rain and the course’s saturation forced them to pull players off the course a second time, eventually leading to a decision to cancel the final 18 holes.

John Bufalini of Ives Hill Country Club and David Hicks of Robert Trent

Golf Course at Cornell University, who were tied at 2-over 146, shared the

ner-up honors.

61-year-old Daniel Russo won his first New York State title in the 2019 Mens' Senior Amateur.

“When you have a chance to win, you wish you could tee it up and finish the tournament. Mother Nature just didn’t cooperate today, but that happens,” said Bufalini.

“I’m in the business, I understand there’s only so much you can do. Ben and his staff did an awesome job, the course was great,” said Hicks, who’s a superintendent himself.

In his second year eligible, the Ithaca player was happy to finish solidly after falling down the leaderboard during last year’s final round. “This is a big deal to me. Something I’ve kind of built towards for a few years, even physically. This tournament inspired me to get in better shape,” he said. “I was very motivated this year to finish it off better, so that’s a little disappointing. I’m really looking forward to next year and seeing what I can do.”

2018 champion Robert Hughes of Watertown Golf Club and Jim Mason of Oak Hill Country Club finished tied for fourth at 147.

Jim Mueller of Orchard Creek came in at 148 to finish in sixth. 2016 champion Paul Pratico of Schenectady Municipal came in seventh at 150.

Rounding out the top ten were Ken Cohen of Villa Roma Country Club, Andy Conway of Ravenwood Golf Club, Richard Luther of Stafford Country Club, and Jack Weinerth of Highland Park Country Club who all tied at 151.

This was the Hagaman resident, Russo’s, second time playing in the event. Last year at Mohawk, he finished tied for ninth.

“I’ve played Mohawk a hundred times, and I couldn’t have played it any worse. I always take pride in figuring out how you’re supposed to play a course, and that just didn’t happen last year.”

This year, he traveled a little farther away from home to a course he wasn’t familiar with. “We came up a couple weeks ago and played a practice round. I thought the course was good, I really did. There’s holes you can score on, but if they tuck some pins, you have some issues and need to play a little defensively.”

John Bufalini

David Hicks

In the Super Senior Division, John Hamilton of Hudson National Golf Club led after both rounds at Cavalry Club to break through and win his first state title.

The 69-year-old was the 2017 runner-up at Crag Burn Golf Club, and his other four Super Senior attempts were outside the top 5. “It was a good course for me. The strength of my game is ball striking. I felt the holes lined up well, gave me good sight lines and I hit the ball well from tee to green. The defense of the course is the greens, very tricky. I could have done better on them but overall was very happy with my game,” he mentioned of his performance.

John Hamilton won his first NYS title in wire-to-wire fashion, never giving up the lead en route to victory.

HAMILTON GOES WIRE-TO-WIRE

Hamilton put together two 73s this week to finish at 2-over. “Well I worked hard. I spent more time on the practice range and did get an event or two in prior to this, which I think always helps. You guys do a great job with the events and the people I play with are just outstanding, so it’s a comfortable place to play and I enjoy it every year. This will always be a very special event for me,” Hamilton said.

Finishing in second was last year’s champion Jim Hamburger of McCann Golf Course. Hamburger was three shots back after the first round, and cut it to a stroke after he posted a tournament-low round of 70 on the 6,018-yard layout.

“I feel fortunate to still be playing at that level. It’s just a great game to be able to do that. The beauty of the game of golf is you’re still able to play when you get a little older and the people that you get to meet out on the golf course. I feel very lucky to be part of it,” Hamburger said.

Scott Dean of Attica Golf Club finished in third at 148, and Mark Battle of Ravenwood Golf Club took fifth place at 150.

Next year, the championship will be conducted a little closer to home for both Hamilton and Hamburger, when it will head to The Powelton Club in Newburgh, New York.

Age group winners were recognized in the following categories:

55-59 Flight - Jim Mason (Oak Hill CC)

60-64 Flight - Jim Mueller (Orchard Creek GC)

65-69 Flight - Scott Dean (Attica GC)

Jim Hamburger

New York State has many local and regional golf associations that provide a variety of competitions and services to their members each season.

We’d like to recognize our partner regional associations for the great work they do each year to consistently provide alternative tournament options for amateur golfers across the state.

AMATEUR GOLF ASSOCIATIONS

PGA SECTIONS

Not Shown: Triple Cities Golf Association, Capital Region Amateur Golf Association

Rochester Syracuse Buffalo

Metropolitan

Westchester

Long Island

United States

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Please support our Sponsors! Their support of the NYSGA and golf community, helps us to strengthen our services, member benefits and tournament experiences.

JOIN THE NYSGA FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Since its founding in 2003, the NYSGA Foundation has impacted thousands of people through golf related programs such as scholarships, junior golf programs, supporting local first tee chapters, free USGA GHIN Handicaps for juniors, recognizing the top contributors through the NYSGA Hall of Fame, and much more. The Foundation is a 501c(3) and all donations made to support these amazing programs are tax deductible.

HALL OF FAME

ESTABLISHED IN 2012

The NYSGA Hall of Fame’s mission is to identify, recognize, and enshrine the state's finest amateur and professional golf competitors, as well as those who have made outstanding contributions to the game throughout New York by their careers as golf teachers, coaches, mentors, and volunteers to the game.

NYSGA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

FUNDING SCHOLARSHIPS SINCE 1967

The NYSGA Scholarship Fund annually awards $30,000 to deserving students, with over $500,000 given since 1967. Eligible students must be in their second year of employment at an NYSGA member club, be in good academic standing, and demonstrate a financial need. The Foundation’s goal is to increase the amount raised in order to give out more awards through the NYSGA Foundation Membership Program.

FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

FOUNDED IN 2021

The money raised via the NYSGA Foundation Membership Program directly funds college scholarships for NYSGA member club employees. Supporters of the fund come from participating clubs and individual members across the state. Donations of $100 or more will be recognized on the NYSGA website, “Supporters of the Fund”.

YOUTH ON COURSE

PROVIDING AFFORDABLE GOLF TO JUNIORS

Youth on Course is a junior golf membership for boys and girls 6-18 to play participating courses for just $5.. Founded by the Northern California Golf Association in 2006, it is now offered in all 50 states, with over 70,000 members, 950,000 subsidized rounds of golf, and 15 million holes played. The NYSGA currently partners with 13 courses and has 60 junior members. Youth on Course promotes the game to today’s youth, allowing them to build strong long lasting relationships and instilling core values.