Jim Scorse Defends NYS Men's Senior Title at Corning
CORNING, N.Y. -- Add another piece to the mantle of the now seven time New York State champion.
Related: Championship Central / Final Results / Photos / Round 1 Recap
Jim Scorse of Stafford Country Club delivered a masterful final-round performance to successfully repeat at the 67th NYS Men's Senior Amateur Championship. With an opening 69 (-2), Scorse began final round play with a one stroke lead. After making par on the first six holes, the 59-year-old went on to birdie five of his next seven, leaving little doubt of a back-to-back win.
"I didn't expect to shoot five under, I was just looking to win," said Scorse after hoisting the trophy for the second time. "When I made the turn I knew I had a pretty big lead and got into a good rhythm."
When all was said and done, Scorse's bogey-free 65 (-5) left him nine clear of the field. The Churchville native's seven under total was the lowest at a Men's Senior Amateur in at least 20 years. With a three-under performance at Yahnundasis last year, Scorse was the only player in each of the last two tournaments to finish at or under par. This year's Men's Senior marks Scorse's fifth individual state championship.
"Five under is tied for my lowest competitive round," remarked Scorse. "You know you're playing against the best in the state in a tournament like this and I'm glad I was able to put it together at the right time."
James Welch of Olde Kinderhook Golf Club made back-to-back appearances in the Top 3 at a Men's Senior. Welch posted a three over 73 to finish in solo second at two over par. Welch, who finished T3 at last year's tournament, made five birdies across the two rounds.
Three players finished T3 at four over par. Andy Bernatovicz of River Oaks Golf Club made the biggest splash on Wednesday with a two-under 69. 2024 NYS Men's Super Senior Champion Jim Mueller of Orchard Creek Golf Club carded rounds of 73 and 71, while Jim Lane of Newman Municipal Golf Course remained steady with back-to-back rounds of 72. The top five finishers each earned an exemption into this year's NYS Men's Mid-Amateur at Schuyler Meadows, scheduled for September 27-29.
Kenneth Riter of NYSGA eClub - Western NY turned in a 69 of his own to get to five over par, good for sixth place. Riter won the 60-64 age group, while last year's runner-up, Luke Hobika, won the 55-59 age group honors at six over 146. The Drumlins Golf Club member carded a 70 in the final round.
Corning Country Club measured at 6,310 yards and played to a Par of 35-35-70.