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RUMFORD, R.I. -- Anthony Delisanti, a former New York State Junior Champion and resident of Sanborn, claimed the 62nd Northeast Amateur Championship at Wannamoisett Country Club.

Related: Results / Championship Central

Delisanti, a standout on Valparaiso University’s Men’s Golf Team and a growing star in amateur golf, added the prestigious Northeast Amateur to his resume. 

The Western New York native fired three rounds in the 60s to finish the tournament at eleven under. Beginning the final round five strokes off the lead, Delisanti’s bogey-free, 62 (-7) catapulted him up the leaderboard into a 72-hole, shared lead with Bryan Lee. The two faced off in a playoff amid wind and rain, with Delisanti making a clinching birdie to outlast Lee on the fifth playoff hole. 

“I knew I needed to do something special on the final 18,” said DeliSanti in a post-round interview, conducted by the Rhode Island Golf Association. “I mentally left the door open for something good to happen. I got the putter hot on the front nine and then the rest of the way I kind of cruised in a little bit.” 

Delisanti’s girlfriend, Kennedy Lang, was on his bag throughout the experience. 

“She had a great time, it was her first time caddying for me in a tournament like this,” Delisanti said. “She did a great job, especially in the rain on the last couple of playoff holes. She made it a lot easier for me that’s for sure. She’s the most positive person I know.” 

Delisanti’s magical final round was only one stroke shy of the Wannamoisett course record, set by Luke Guthrie in 2011.  

The Northeast Amateur is considered one of the highest profile amateur championships worldwide and is one of the Elite Amateur Golf Series’ seven seasonal stops. With the win, Delisanti joins an exclusive list of past champions, including Colin Morikawa (‘17), Dustin Johnson (‘07), Luke Donald (‘01, ‘00), David Duval (‘92) and Ben Crenshaw (‘73). Former competitors include Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk and Davis Love III. 

“This is the biggest win on my resume, for sure,” said Delisanti of the victory. 

With the win, Delisanti now sits atop the Elite Amateur Golf Series' points list for 2024. Delisanti also secured a lifetime amateur exemption to tee it up in the tournament, which is hosted annually at Wannamoisett. 

While Delisanti is just now beginning to make waves in the American golf world, he’s been well-known in Empire State golf circles for several years. Most notably, Delisanti secured the 2021 NYS Junior Amateur Championship at Seven Oaks Golf Club. Last season, he finished as the runner-up to Kyle Downey at the NYS Men’s Amateur with a three under tournament at Wykagyl Country Club. At the regional level, he has won three individual Buffalo District Golf Association titles.

Delisanti is also creating a stir at Valparaiso, where his 2023-24 scoring average of 70.48 was good for second lowest in program history. He has six career collegiate wins, was named First Team All-MVC and was awarded the Valparaiso Male Performance of the Year. 

Delisanti will be in the field for the New York State Men’s Amateur Championship later this month, where he will look to continue his hot streak at Wanakah Country Club July 9-11.