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EAST AURORA, N.Y. – The 39th NYS Men's Mid-Amateur Championship at Crag Burn Golf Club has come to a close and an all too familiar face has come out on top once again at his home club.

Defending champion Billy Hanes, who was also the leader in all three rounds, claimed his second New York State Mid-Amateur championship and has successfully defended his title in wire-to-wire fashion. 

Related: Scoring / Photos / Rd 2 Recap / Championship Coverage

Hanes now becomes just the second player to successfully defend their Mid-Amateur title, and at a place so dear to him (first was Jim Roy of Syracuse in 2001-02). He has been playing golf at Crag Burn since he was 17 years old. 

“It's incredible to play a championship level course like this,” said Hanes. “It was probably the best tournament I have ever played and I am very proud to be state champion again at my home club.”

Stepping up to the first tee, Hanes had a big lead already to maintain (four strokes), but with birdies on the first two holes, he sent a message to the field early. He would go on to birdie three more holes and shoot a 3-under 69 to finish the tournament at 7-under 209. He was the only player to finish under par. 

“Birdied one, birdied two and really relieved some nerves,” said Hanes about his hot start. “I felt good about my game and my body felt great. I’m 37 now and I feel like I am better now than I ever was at any point of my life.”

The now six-time NYSGA Champion (2022 Mid-Am, 2000 Boys 14U, 2015, 2018, 2023 Men’s Four-Ball) was filled with joy as he was rushed by his family and friends on the 18th green after claiming the title.

“I have my family here and a lot of my friends and it is really great to win here at my home club.” said Hanes.

Hanes only had 5 bogeys over the entire tournament and a total of 12 birdies, including 5 birdies in both his opening and final round. 

Finishing in second place is Sean Paul Owen of Corning Country Club who was playing in his very first Mid-Ameatur championship. 

A very solid week finished with an even par round of 72 in the final grouping to give him the solo second position. With 5 birdies on his corecard in the final round, he ended his championship at even par 216.

“Both my parents have supported me through all my sports,” said Owen, having his dad on the bag. “We had a blast out here this weekend.”

With this finish, Owen will now look to the future as he qualified for both next year’s Mid-Amateur at a site to be announced, and Men’s Amateur at nearby Wanakah Country Club. 

Finishing in third place was Jeff March of Penfield Country Club and Yaroslav Merkulov of Ridgemont Country Club. They both finished their championship at 4-over 220. March made 18 pars in his final round. 

Following them is solo fifth place was Andrew Watson of MGA eClub - Hudson Valley. After shooting one of only five scores under par in the championship in round one, he finished at 8-over 224.

Behind Watson in solo eighth was Brad Monroe of Onondaga Golf and Country Club who finished the tournament with a 11-over 227. 

Rounding out the top ten in a four way tie was Carter Thompson of MGA eClub - New York City, Anthony Ragusa of Brookfield Country Club, David Hanes of Crag Burn Country, and 2023 NYS Men’s Amateur Champion Kyle Downey who all finished at 12-over 228. 

The course played 6,953 yards and to a par of 72 in round one.

Top 20 players and ties all receive an exemption into the 2024 NYS Men’s Mid-Amateur.