Downey and Saroney Hold Early Lead at 102nd NYS Men's Amateur
NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. – Kyle Downey of Locust Hill Country Club and Jackson Saroney of Drumlins Golf Club share the lead after 18 holes of the 102nd NYS Men's Amateur Championship at Yahnundasis Golf Club. In the field of 150 of New York's best amateur golfers, only five players were able to break par on the first day of action.
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The recent graduate of Jamesville Dewitt High School in Syracuse, New York, recently won the NYSPHSAA Boys Golf State Championship in Rochester. He fired a round of 69 (two-under), dropping in three birdies on the front nine and one on the back. Saroney had the lead last week at the NYS Boys' 18U Junior at McGregor Links; he finished the tournament five shots off the lead and finished runner-up.
"Last week, I played pretty well, but I had a few things I really had to clean up."
Saroney continued speaking about how Yahnundasis better fits his game."That golf course didn't really fit my eye as much as this place does. This is honestly one of my favorite golf courses in the area. It fits my eye really nicely - I love how much of a second shot golf course it is."
Downey had quite the day as well, firing off four birdies on the front nine and one on the back. Downey already has two NYSGA Championships, the 2023 NYS Men's Amateur at Wykagyl Country Club and last year's NYS Men's Mid-Amateur at Schuyler Meadows Club.
"It was a complete battle and grind. Luckily, the putter was pretty hot today-I don't think I missed a single putt inside of ten feet."
Downey also spoke on his game plan, "I did not hit driver everywhere today, I hit hybrid and 3-wood just to keep it in play."
The others to join Soroney and Downey under par were Chris Blyth of the RDGA e-club and Philip Minnehan of Coblestone Creek Country Club. Blyth finished runner-up at the 2018 and 2019 NYS Men's Amateur Championships. Last year, Minnehan finished T8 in the NYS Men's Am at Wanakah Country Club, highlighted by his final round 71.
Danny Wehle of Oak Hill Country Club, Jack Angelucci of Yahnundasis Golf Club, and Chris Kono of Meadow Brook Club round out the top five, with all three sitting at even par.
Six players are tied in eighth place at one-over par.
Defending champion Aiden Spampinato of Cobblestone Creek Country Club opened at 3-over par.
The second round begins with tee times at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9th, at Yahnundasis Golf Club.
