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NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. – The New York State Golf Association returned to Yahnundasis Golf Club for the 66th Men’s Senior Amateur to crown yet another state title in the closing weeks of the championship season. 

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Luke Hobika, of Drumlins Country Club, surged to the top of the leaderboard after he teed off in the morning wave. After a steady front nine with eight pars and one bogey, Hobika found his rhythm on the back side as he knocked in three birdies to finish at 2-under 69. 

“I was actually really nervous in the beginning,” said Hobika on playing in his very first senior championship. “I have been looking forward to this tournament the entire year; Once I started playing, the nerves went away, and I started to play better.”

The 55-year-old plodded around his old home course efficiently and used his local knowledge of the course to earn the tournament low score. 

The two-time (1998 & 2015) NYS Men’s Mid-Amateur champion will go into the final round with a one stroke lead at Yahnundasis, where he won his first state title, the 1998 NYS Mid-Am.

“I grew up here and this is where I learned to play,” said Hobika about being back at Yahnundasis. “The course was in spectacular condition. The course did go through a renovation, it was great back then and it is even better now.”

Following Hobika is another multi-time New York State champion Jim Scorse, of Stafford Country Club. He had a sound opening round as he turned in his card at a 1-under 70. 

The five time NYSGA champion, including two (2013 & 2016) NYS Men’s Mid-Amateur titles, had four birdies on his card to put him in a solo second position.

“I don’t really try to put the pressure on myself to any amount or way,” said Scorse about approaching championship rounds. “Tomorrow is just like I said, have a little fun. I got myself in contention so it’s going to be a good day no matter what and have a smile on my face.” 

The 58-year-old is playing in his second senior championship and after last year’s T29 finish, he is looking to redeem himself.

“Last year was definitely an off week for me, and I did not hit the ball solid and mental attitude,” said Scorse. “I definitely wanted to do better this year and at least put myself into contention for the second day.”

To round out the top three was Jerry Brescia of Eagle Crest Golf Club who despite shooting a 3-over front nine, he was able to fire a 3-under back nine to end his first round at an even par 71. Brescia started on the 10th tee at Yahnundasis.

Following them is Robert DeWitt, of Transit Valley Country Club, and Don Enga, of Cherry Valley Club, who both finished at 1-over in their first 18 holes.

At 2-over par is past NYS Men’s Mid-Am champion James Welch of Old Kinderhook Golf Club, John Bufalini of NYSGA eClub - Watertown, and Bruce Levinson of Onondaga Golf & Country Club.

Rounding out the top scores was two-time (2019 & 2021) NYS Men’s Senior champ Daniel Russo of Schuyler Meadows Country Club who finished at 3-over. 

Yahnundasis Golf Club was set up at 6,456 yards and was played to a par of 71.

The field will tee off for their final round on Wednesday from 8:00am – 2:00pm, with the championship leaders teeing off last.