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Town of Colonie G.C. -
The first State Day Tournament held in Albany was received with welcome arms by Capital Region golfers. “We need more of these events in our area,” said Jan Monty of Western Turnpike Golf Club. Fifty-five players teed it up for fun and prizes in the fourth tournament this season. Some had participated in the previous events and plan to play in the final tournament at Elmira Country Club on September 29. Said Ken Sanford, an Elmira native of Mark Twain GC, “I will definitely bring my friends.”
With heavy rain in the days leading up to the event, it was decided to play preferred lies in the fairway. Players appreciated being able to clean mud off their ball after a good tee shot. While other nearby courses were closed because of excessive water on their greens, the weather during the tournament on August 13 was dry and warm. Playing the White and Blue courses, the Town of Colonie G.C. proved to be a good test of golfers’ control off the tee. Wayward shots would rest in the woods that guard the fairways and require a good recovery shot to get back into play.
To view the photo gallery from the tournament, click here. For full hole-by-hole results, click here.
The players were divided into flights based upon Course Handicap. The low-gross score of the day was an even-par 72 shot by George Smith of Hoosick Falls CC. In the first flight, both George LaMarche III of Van Patten GC and Gary Crucetti of Hoosick Falls CC posted the lowest net scores of 68. In the second flight, Billy Vacca from Stadium Golf Club recorded the lowest gross score, a 9-over 81. “This is the first time I have won anything in a golf tournament,” said the excited Vacca, who plans to defend his title at Elmira CC in September.
In the third flight, Patrick Agostino from Pioneer Hills GC managed his way around the tough layout and posted a net score of five-under par 67. The women’s flight had an exciting finish as Kim Hines-Kaisik from Rip Van Winkle CC won low-gross honors with an 88 and Charlotte Maeder of Western Turnpike GC was awarded low-net with a two-under par 70.
Warren Winslow, a NYSGA Committee Member, enjoyed the day and hopes that his club, Western Turnpike GC, will host one in the future. With the reception the tournament got, there are plans to hold more events in the area next season.
The final State Day Tournament will be held at Elmira Country Club on September 29. This is the day following the NYSGA Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and the same course setup and hole locations will be used. It should make for a fun and challenging event. Call the pro shop on 607-734-7777 to make tee time reservations.
I had a great time at the event and I am hoping that Sycamore Country Club would be willing to host an event next year.
The Town of Colonie Country Club did a great job in hosting the event and the course was in great shape and has a beautiful lay out.
I do have a question I came in 4th place yet was tied with the 3rd place player with our net scores of 72, yet I shot a lower gross score of an 85….. it is not a big deal yet I would like an explanation if possible.
Thanks for all your help.
Ties were broken using the USGA Handicap Manual method (Section 9-5aiii). This method compares individual gross scores for the last nine holes, then the last six holes, then the last three holes, then finally the last hole to determine a winner. The third place net winner in your flight shot a 41 on the back nine, which beat your back nine score of 44.
Hope that you will be able to join us for the next State Day Tournament at Elmira Country Club on September 29.