-Billy Condon
In the past 12 MGA Senior Open's, never has an amateur been victorious. On two separate occasions an amateur has been runner-up (Ron Vannelli in 2005 and Richard Jung in 2007). Vannelli is in the field this year, and there are more amateurs competing (91) than professionals (85). This year looks better than any for an amateur to hoist the silver plate on Thursday afternoon.
August 31, 2009
Senior Open Week
-Billy Condon
Fresh off a runner-up finish at the Met Open, Jerry Courville Jr. looks to Long Island for his next chance at an MGA championship. Courville joins other local professionals as well as amateurs at the 13th MGA Senior Open, set to be played at The Woodmere Club, Wednesday & Thursday, September 2 & 3. Included in the mix are past Senior Open winners Bobby Heins, Darrell Kestner, as well as amateurs Ed Gibstein and Jay Blumenfeld.
Fresh off a runner-up finish at the Met Open, Jerry Courville Jr. looks to Long Island for his next chance at an MGA championship. Courville joins other local professionals as well as amateurs at the 13th MGA Senior Open, set to be played at The Woodmere Club, Wednesday & Thursday, September 2 & 3. Included in the mix are past Senior Open winners Bobby Heins, Darrell Kestner, as well as amateurs Ed Gibstein and Jay Blumenfeld.
August 27, 2009
Giuliani Holds on to Win Met Open
-Billy Condon
Andrew Giuliani is your 2009 Met Open champion. Giuliani fended off Brett Jones over the last few holes to claim victory. His first victory as a professional, Giuliani sealed the deal with a tap-in bogey on the 18th hole followed by big hugs with his caddie and mother.
Andrew Giuliani is your 2009 Met Open champion. Giuliani fended off Brett Jones over the last few holes to claim victory. His first victory as a professional, Giuliani sealed the deal with a tap-in bogey on the 18th hole followed by big hugs with his caddie and mother.
Giuliani Holds One Shot Lead
-Billy Condon
It's coming down to the wire and Andrew Giuliani holds a one shot lead over Jerry Courville Jr. and Brett Jones. Andrew Svoboda holds the clubhouse lead at 1-under while Jones and Courville try to chase down Giuliani.
It's coming down to the wire and Andrew Giuliani holds a one shot lead over Jerry Courville Jr. and Brett Jones. Andrew Svoboda holds the clubhouse lead at 1-under while Jones and Courville try to chase down Giuliani.
Leaders Separating Themselves From Rest of Field
-Billy Condon
17-year-old Sam Bernstein continues to impress the fans out here as he remains towards the top of the leaderboard. Sean Farren and Andrew Giuliani are at 3-under at the top with three other players at 2-under. There is a gap between the next set of competitors as these five players are fighting for position as they make the turn.
17-year-old Sam Bernstein continues to impress the fans out here as he remains towards the top of the leaderboard. Sean Farren and Andrew Giuliani are at 3-under at the top with three other players at 2-under. There is a gap between the next set of competitors as these five players are fighting for position as they make the turn.
Casalino Off to Hot Start
-Billy Condon
Anthony Casalino is in the groove as he is 3-under through his first five holes. Casalino has birdies on the first, second, and fifth holes. Is it the clothes?
Anthony Casalino is in the groove as he is 3-under through his first five holes. Casalino has birdies on the first, second, and fifth holes. Is it the clothes?
Final Day Kicks Off at Met Open in Style
-Billy Condon
The third and final day of the Met Open championship has begun at Ridgewood Country Club. On a much cooler day than the previous two, but with the sun starting to shine, the players are anxious to put their skills to the test for 18 more holes. The course is looking to play a little softer than yesterday but the setup will challenge the field of 62. On the outside, players look cool and collected, but you can be sure that butterflies will be stirring once they step onto the first tee.
Speaking with 17-year-old amateur Sam Bernstein, who is one shot behind leader Andrew Giuliani, Bernstein confirmed with me that he had his Thursday outfit planned well in advance. "Tiger wears red, Phil wears black, Sam wears orange," the eager teenager boasted. But don't be fooled, it's not a rookie move to focus on clothing, well-garbed Anthony Casalino puts preparation into his duds just as much as anyone else, as does Adam Fuchs. Catching up with Fuchs on the putting green, he remarked "this outfit has been planned out for the last two weeks, black pants and black shoes are my go-to on the final day." Fuchs is evidently a firm believe in the "look good play good" mentality.
The third and final day of the Met Open championship has begun at Ridgewood Country Club. On a much cooler day than the previous two, but with the sun starting to shine, the players are anxious to put their skills to the test for 18 more holes. The course is looking to play a little softer than yesterday but the setup will challenge the field of 62. On the outside, players look cool and collected, but you can be sure that butterflies will be stirring once they step onto the first tee.
Speaking with 17-year-old amateur Sam Bernstein, who is one shot behind leader Andrew Giuliani, Bernstein confirmed with me that he had his Thursday outfit planned well in advance. "Tiger wears red, Phil wears black, Sam wears orange," the eager teenager boasted. But don't be fooled, it's not a rookie move to focus on clothing, well-garbed Anthony Casalino puts preparation into his duds just as much as anyone else, as does Adam Fuchs. Catching up with Fuchs on the putting green, he remarked "this outfit has been planned out for the last two weeks, black pants and black shoes are my go-to on the final day." Fuchs is evidently a firm believe in the "look good play good" mentality.
August 26, 2009
Tough Conditions Stump Players
-Billy Condon
Compared to yesterday, where top players shot even par or better, today has been a different story. So far, only three players have played their second round under par with a few others making the turn under par who are still on the course. The soft conditions that the players experienced yesterday have changed as the heat and wind have hardened the playing conditions causing knee-knocking putts from any distance.
One of the notable rounds today belongs to Jerry Courville Jr., who shot two-under par and has a two-round total of 142. Brett Jones shot a 70 today and currently holds the lead along with Sam Bernstein at 140. Still on the course and going strong is Andrew Giuliani, who was one under on his front nine this afternoon and is four under par for the championship. Also in the mix is Frank Bensel, who made the turn at three under par.
Compared to yesterday, where top players shot even par or better, today has been a different story. So far, only three players have played their second round under par with a few others making the turn under par who are still on the course. The soft conditions that the players experienced yesterday have changed as the heat and wind have hardened the playing conditions causing knee-knocking putts from any distance.
One of the notable rounds today belongs to Jerry Courville Jr., who shot two-under par and has a two-round total of 142. Brett Jones shot a 70 today and currently holds the lead along with Sam Bernstein at 140. Still on the course and going strong is Andrew Giuliani, who was one under on his front nine this afternoon and is four under par for the championship. Also in the mix is Frank Bensel, who made the turn at three under par.
More Unique Bags
-Billy Condon
Making more rounds to the range and putting green while the afternoon batch of players begin to warm up, a few more discoveries had been made. For one, a good amount of players do not incorporate superstitions into their golf game, but they do incorporate style. Players match headcovers to their bags, and one major fashion statement is the emergence of the old school puff-ball headcover. Players such as Scott Paris and Michael Quagliano all sport these heacovers. Quagliano also uses putter covers on his hybrids, however the reason for this "is a secret."
One player who is superstitious is Casey Calmi. The recent St. Johns graduate said that he has more superstitions than I would care to know, but one that he did divulge was that the quarter he uses to mark his ball has to always be heads up.
The college trend continues as Muhlenberg alum Rob Lobel sports the school's mule mascot. Zach Oyer, also of Muhlenberg also shows off both the Muhlenberg team bag and the mule headcover. David Rahal has the Lafayette leopard on his bag.
Andrew Giuliani has a New York Giants headcover as well as a USA putter cover.
Add a Little Flavor
-Billy CondonGood morning from day two of the Met Open. It is another spectacular day with temperatures again expected to climb but with light breezes expected.
It is always fun to talk to the players about something other than how they hit the ball, so today I will be discussing lucky charms with some of the competitors. No, not the marshmallow cereal, but unique objects that they carry with them for luck, sentiment, or just because it looks cool.
This morning on the range I caught up with David Mann who has the best headcover I have seen this week - The Hulk.
Other players choose to display their college colors on their bag. Paul Park uses his red Indiana University bag equipped with IU headcovers. Jeff Stebbins has his bag from his days at UCONN, with of course, Jonathan the Husky on his driver. Colin Amaral boasts University of Georgia headcovers.
Tom Sutter, who has his son carrying his bag this week, wears a visor with his initials across the back.
Be sure to check back throughout the day for continued updates and the complete slideshow on the MGA's Facebook page where you can become a fan of the MGA...click here:
August 25, 2009
Met Open Afterthoughts
By Billy Condon
Play at the first day of the 94th Met Open has come to an end and the limelight is on 17-year-old Sam Bernstein. Bernstein is arguably the youngest player to hold the overnight lead at the Met Open, and he holds a one-shot lead over Andrew Giuliani and Bob Rittberger.
From the little that I saw of Bernstein's play, he appeared poised and confident, although he did show some emotion after narrowly missing his birdie putt on the 291-yard par-4 fifth hole. As many professionals and amateurs wore the logos of their home clubs, Bernstein chose to wear a shirt from the Carter Cup, subtly reinforcing his youth as players cannot be over 18 years of age in that event. Bernstein is in a field against not only past Met Open champions, but competitors from past U.S. Opens, PGA Championships and Masters.
As far as the championship course, the players could not express more compliments. Although difficult, the players felt the conditions were fantastic and that to score well, you have to play well - as any championship golf course should be. The hardest hole on the course proved to be the ninth, a par four that had a scoring average of 4.76, looking more like the scoring average of a par 5. Speaking of five-pars, none of the three on the course had a scoring average below par. The easiest hole on the course proved to be the fifth, with a scoring average just under par at 3.97.
With one day of play under their belts and another sunny day expected for tomorrow, one can expect low scores as moving day at the Met Open separates the field.
Play at the first day of the 94th Met Open has come to an end and the limelight is on 17-year-old Sam Bernstein. Bernstein is arguably the youngest player to hold the overnight lead at the Met Open, and he holds a one-shot lead over Andrew Giuliani and Bob Rittberger.
From the little that I saw of Bernstein's play, he appeared poised and confident, although he did show some emotion after narrowly missing his birdie putt on the 291-yard par-4 fifth hole. As many professionals and amateurs wore the logos of their home clubs, Bernstein chose to wear a shirt from the Carter Cup, subtly reinforcing his youth as players cannot be over 18 years of age in that event. Bernstein is in a field against not only past Met Open champions, but competitors from past U.S. Opens, PGA Championships and Masters.
As far as the championship course, the players could not express more compliments. Although difficult, the players felt the conditions were fantastic and that to score well, you have to play well - as any championship golf course should be. The hardest hole on the course proved to be the ninth, a par four that had a scoring average of 4.76, looking more like the scoring average of a par 5. Speaking of five-pars, none of the three on the course had a scoring average below par. The easiest hole on the course proved to be the fifth, with a scoring average just under par at 3.97.
With one day of play under their belts and another sunny day expected for tomorrow, one can expect low scores as moving day at the Met Open separates the field.
17-year-old Shocks Field with 67
-Billy Condon
17-year-old Sam Bernstein, an amateur from Riverdale, N.Y., fired an opening round 67, one stroke better than Andrew Giuliani, who held the clubhouse lead for much of the day. Bernstein, who finished tied for 12th at the 2009 Carter Cup led the way with 5 birdies and only one bogey. In a field full of experienced veteran professionals and amateurs, it was Bernstein, the young gun, who came away with the early advantage after the first day of the Met Open. Stay tuned to see if Bernstein's 67 holds up as the overnight clubhouse lead as there are still a few more groups left on the course.
17-year-old Sam Bernstein, an amateur from Riverdale, N.Y., fired an opening round 67, one stroke better than Andrew Giuliani, who held the clubhouse lead for much of the day. Bernstein, who finished tied for 12th at the 2009 Carter Cup led the way with 5 birdies and only one bogey. In a field full of experienced veteran professionals and amateurs, it was Bernstein, the young gun, who came away with the early advantage after the first day of the Met Open. Stay tuned to see if Bernstein's 67 holds up as the overnight clubhouse lead as there are still a few more groups left on the course.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Knowledge is power - as was the case with Jeff Stebbins as he came to the fifth. Stebbins, who was a member at Ridgewood until 2005, hit his approach to the right side of the fairway and proceeded to nicely find the green on his approach, which garnered applause from his familial fan base. Stebbins poured in the birdie putt and gave a confident fist pump.
Knowledge is power - as was the case with Jeff Stebbins as he came to the fifth. Stebbins, who was a member at Ridgewood until 2005, hit his approach to the right side of the fairway and proceeded to nicely find the green on his approach, which garnered applause from his familial fan base. Stebbins poured in the birdie putt and gave a confident fist pump.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
After a drive in the fairway, Sean Kelly's approach hit once and spun back across the green, nearly hitting the flagstick on its way. Kelly went on to make the birdie putt from off the green.
After a drive in the fairway, Sean Kelly's approach hit once and spun back across the green, nearly hitting the flagstick on its way. Kelly went on to make the birdie putt from off the green.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Tom Sutter added his name to the short list of players to make a putt outside of ten feet on the fifth. Sutter hit his approach from the rough beyond the cup but made the 13-foot birdie.
It also marked Sutter's third birdie in a row.
Tom Sutter added his name to the short list of players to make a putt outside of ten feet on the fifth. Sutter hit his approach from the rough beyond the cup but made the 13-foot birdie.
It also marked Sutter's third birdie in a row.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
The group of Sam Bernstein, Joseph Chalmers, and Jeffrey Cowell also all had great approach shots into the green. No player hit their approach outside of ten feet, however, none of them were able to capitalize on their birdie opportunity, all four made par.
The group of Sam Bernstein, Joseph Chalmers, and Jeffrey Cowell also all had great approach shots into the green. No player hit their approach outside of ten feet, however, none of them were able to capitalize on their birdie opportunity, all four made par.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
The Saladino, Dicciani, and Meehan group all played the fifth well. After the trio hit solid tee shots that found the fairway, they all hit their approaches up onto the green. Dicciani missed his comeback birdie putt that was a tricky slider, but Saladino confidently rolled in his birdie. Meehan, who hit his approach the closest of the three also poured in his birdie putt.
The Saladino, Dicciani, and Meehan group all played the fifth well. After the trio hit solid tee shots that found the fairway, they all hit their approaches up onto the green. Dicciani missed his comeback birdie putt that was a tricky slider, but Saladino confidently rolled in his birdie. Meehan, who hit his approach the closest of the three also poured in his birdie putt.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Speaking of the intimidating uphill approach, it can be hypothesized that the players do not realize that at the top of the hill, there is still another 3-8 yards onto the green, depending on the angle they take. Players may think they have found success when their ball just clears the apex of the ridge, but face a disappointing reality when they find their ball in the rough.
And the numbers don't lie. After 36 players played this hole in the morning, the scoring average was approximately 3.97 and was playing as the easiest hole on the course. After 96 players, it has remained as the easiest hole statistically, but the scoring average has risen to 4.011, barely over par. There have been some bogeys and double bogeys that are unaccounted for as well, but some great birdies as well.
Speaking of the intimidating uphill approach, it can be hypothesized that the players do not realize that at the top of the hill, there is still another 3-8 yards onto the green, depending on the angle they take. Players may think they have found success when their ball just clears the apex of the ridge, but face a disappointing reality when they find their ball in the rough.
And the numbers don't lie. After 36 players played this hole in the morning, the scoring average was approximately 3.97 and was playing as the easiest hole on the course. After 96 players, it has remained as the easiest hole statistically, but the scoring average has risen to 4.011, barely over par. There have been some bogeys and double bogeys that are unaccounted for as well, but some great birdies as well.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Rahal has not been the only player to come up well short with their second shot as multiple others have succumbed to the intimidating uphill approach. Just as Rahal, these players have, on more than a few occasions, overcome the adversity of facing bogey and poured in their par-saving putts.
As predicted, this hole continues to play as both a momentum builder and shaker. Players with a confident putting stroke have found success while those questioning the slick putts have faltered.
Rahal has not been the only player to come up well short with their second shot as multiple others have succumbed to the intimidating uphill approach. Just as Rahal, these players have, on more than a few occasions, overcome the adversity of facing bogey and poured in their par-saving putts.
As predicted, this hole continues to play as both a momentum builder and shaker. Players with a confident putting stroke have found success while those questioning the slick putts have faltered.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
David Rahal, the 2008 club champion at Ridgewood had quite the showing on the fifth. After laying up in the fairway, Rahal chunked his second shot into the bunker in front of the green. Needing to get up-and-down for par, Rahal decided to forgo putting completely by dunking his bunker shot for birdie. Rahal made the turn at even par.
David Rahal, the 2008 club champion at Ridgewood had quite the showing on the fifth. After laying up in the fairway, Rahal chunked his second shot into the bunker in front of the green. Needing to get up-and-down for par, Rahal decided to forgo putting completely by dunking his bunker shot for birdie. Rahal made the turn at even par.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Players this afternoon have still tried to get up to the green from the tee but no one has landed on the top level. The last player to attempt a shot at glory was John Stoltz who pulled his shot short and left. Stoltz hit a nice chip onto the green but missed his birdie putt.
From the groups I have seen, there has only been a handful of putts made outside of 6-7 feet with two of those belonging to Gaffney and Hegarty.
Players this afternoon have still tried to get up to the green from the tee but no one has landed on the top level. The last player to attempt a shot at glory was John Stoltz who pulled his shot short and left. Stoltz hit a nice chip onto the green but missed his birdie putt.
From the groups I have seen, there has only been a handful of putts made outside of 6-7 feet with two of those belonging to Gaffney and Hegarty.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Since Tim Hegarty made his 8-foot putt from above the hole, no one made a decent length putt from that location - until Brian Gaffney. Gaffney sank a 12-foot curler for birdie to the applause of the gallery that has come out to walk the course.
Since Tim Hegarty made his 8-foot putt from above the hole, no one made a decent length putt from that location - until Brian Gaffney. Gaffney sank a 12-foot curler for birdie to the applause of the gallery that has come out to walk the course.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
And we're back with the afternoon wave of competitors.
The groups that have been coming through have been making a barrage of pars. Whether they get on the green in regulation or have to chip on, the players are relying on their short game to make their four. The breeze is more calm than it was in the morning and players continue to find themselves below the hole and off the green.
After talking to a few of the players who have already finished, they have had a common response that in order to score, you must put the ball over the hole and have it spin back. Unfortunately, on these greens, the balls are spinning back 20-30 feet in some cases.
And we're back with the afternoon wave of competitors.
The groups that have been coming through have been making a barrage of pars. Whether they get on the green in regulation or have to chip on, the players are relying on their short game to make their four. The breeze is more calm than it was in the morning and players continue to find themselves below the hole and off the green.
After talking to a few of the players who have already finished, they have had a common response that in order to score, you must put the ball over the hole and have it spin back. Unfortunately, on these greens, the balls are spinning back 20-30 feet in some cases.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Mike Paduano, who is playing his first two rounds with Mark McCormick and Greg Bisconti just told me how great the golf course is playing. "It's brutally hard, but fair. It's a great test," said Paduano. He went on to say that the only time you can relax over the ball is when you are inside of six inches - "unfortunately, you don't find yourself coming that close here."
Mike Paduano, who is playing his first two rounds with Mark McCormick and Greg Bisconti just told me how great the golf course is playing. "It's brutally hard, but fair. It's a great test," said Paduano. He went on to say that the only time you can relax over the ball is when you are inside of six inches - "unfortunately, you don't find yourself coming that close here."
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Greg Shuman just made an impressive birdie after driving the ball into the greenside bunker. Shuman hit his shot out of the bunker past the hole and the green fed the ball back to the hole to a foot for an easy tap-in birdie.
Greg Shuman just made an impressive birdie after driving the ball into the greenside bunker. Shuman hit his shot out of the bunker past the hole and the green fed the ball back to the hole to a foot for an easy tap-in birdie.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Players choosing to lay up do so to avoid a difficult and awkward second shot. However, a noticeable amount of players choosing to lay up here have been missing the fairway to the right off the tee. These flaring fades have put these players at an extreme disadvantage with their approach shots into the green.
Players choosing to lay up do so to avoid a difficult and awkward second shot. However, a noticeable amount of players choosing to lay up here have been missing the fairway to the right off the tee. These flaring fades have put these players at an extreme disadvantage with their approach shots into the green.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Ridgewood just fought back. After a good amount of birdies during the first half of the morning wave, the second group to come through who teed off on the back nine finished with a cumulative 14. With two players hitting their tee shots in the right rough 70 yards short and the third hitting driver into the rough right of the green. No player got on the green in regulation as the thick Ridgewood rough held up both hosels and hopes of birdie.
Ridgewood just fought back. After a good amount of birdies during the first half of the morning wave, the second group to come through who teed off on the back nine finished with a cumulative 14. With two players hitting their tee shots in the right rough 70 yards short and the third hitting driver into the rough right of the green. No player got on the green in regulation as the thick Ridgewood rough held up both hosels and hopes of birdie.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
The course and weather conditions cannot be considered less than ideal right now. It's warm, but there is a nice breeze. The prevailing wind here is directed right into the faces of the players on the fifth tee, although it should not be strong enough to influence shot choice.
With this hole especially, players find themselves laying up into an area that is becoming pock-marked with sandy divot mix. These spots are between 65 and 85 yards away from the hole.
Another observation is the type of shot the players want to have into the green. Having watched this hole at the Barclay's last year, it seems that the players playing today are choosing to lay up a little closer than the Tour pros, leaving them with half and three-quarter wedge shots into the green, and the majority of them coming down short of the hole. However, as mentioned earlier, the result has been more players spinning the ball off of the front of the green. By taking a more full approach, the Tour players were able to get their shots to come down over the hole, and the spin would zip the ball back to hole-high.
The course and weather conditions cannot be considered less than ideal right now. It's warm, but there is a nice breeze. The prevailing wind here is directed right into the faces of the players on the fifth tee, although it should not be strong enough to influence shot choice.
With this hole especially, players find themselves laying up into an area that is becoming pock-marked with sandy divot mix. These spots are between 65 and 85 yards away from the hole.
Another observation is the type of shot the players want to have into the green. Having watched this hole at the Barclay's last year, it seems that the players playing today are choosing to lay up a little closer than the Tour pros, leaving them with half and three-quarter wedge shots into the green, and the majority of them coming down short of the hole. However, as mentioned earlier, the result has been more players spinning the ball off of the front of the green. By taking a more full approach, the Tour players were able to get their shots to come down over the hole, and the spin would zip the ball back to hole-high.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Home-pro David Reasoner of Ridgewood went for the green off the tee and ended up in the greenside bunker to the right of the green. He faced the same bunker shot that Hunter Mahan dunked at the 2008 Barclays. Reasoner ended up making par on the hole.
Although more players have decided to hit iron off the tee than driver, the advantage is not necessarily paying off. With the front hole location, many players are finding themselves spinning the ball off the front of the green into the fringe, and sometimes the rough. Anthony Aruta found his approach shot come to rest in the rough just short of the green and wound up making bogey.
Home-pro David Reasoner of Ridgewood went for the green off the tee and ended up in the greenside bunker to the right of the green. He faced the same bunker shot that Hunter Mahan dunked at the 2008 Barclays. Reasoner ended up making par on the hole.
Although more players have decided to hit iron off the tee than driver, the advantage is not necessarily paying off. With the front hole location, many players are finding themselves spinning the ball off the front of the green into the fringe, and sometimes the rough. Anthony Aruta found his approach shot come to rest in the rough just short of the green and wound up making bogey.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
Making his professional debut this week, Michael Quagliano came to the fifth hole and left with a birdie. Choosing to lay up, Quagliano hit his approach to four feet and sank the slippery birdie putt. Also in Quagliano's group was Tim Hegarty, who also walked away with a birdie. Hegarty took a different approach to the hole as he took out driver and his tee shot landed just short of the green. Hegarty used the ridge behind the hole to his advantage as he threw the ball up and had the contour of the green feed the ball back, coming to rest at about 8 feet. Hegarty gave Quagliano a good read as he made his birdie putt.
Making his professional debut this week, Michael Quagliano came to the fifth hole and left with a birdie. Choosing to lay up, Quagliano hit his approach to four feet and sank the slippery birdie putt. Also in Quagliano's group was Tim Hegarty, who also walked away with a birdie. Hegarty took a different approach to the hole as he took out driver and his tee shot landed just short of the green. Hegarty used the ridge behind the hole to his advantage as he threw the ball up and had the contour of the green feed the ball back, coming to rest at about 8 feet. Hegarty gave Quagliano a good read as he made his birdie putt.
Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole
-Billy Condon
I'm out here reporting live from the Five and Dime hole on this beautiful opening day of the 94th Met Open at Ridgewood Country Club. This hole plays as the fifth on the championship course layout and is a 291-yard par 4. Today, the hole is featuring a front hole location on the narrow, two-tiered green. Players have been choosing to lay-up thus far, using the ridge behind the hole as a backstop for their shots, allowing the ball to track back down to the hole.
(Five and Dime was coined by Byron Nelson as players only needed a five-iron and a 10-wedge to get to the green. 10-wedge is the equivalent of a pitching wedge).
I'm out here reporting live from the Five and Dime hole on this beautiful opening day of the 94th Met Open at Ridgewood Country Club. This hole plays as the fifth on the championship course layout and is a 291-yard par 4. Today, the hole is featuring a front hole location on the narrow, two-tiered green. Players have been choosing to lay-up thus far, using the ridge behind the hole as a backstop for their shots, allowing the ball to track back down to the hole.
(Five and Dime was coined by Byron Nelson as players only needed a five-iron and a 10-wedge to get to the green. 10-wedge is the equivalent of a pitching wedge).
August 7, 2009
The Kid's Got Game
Catching up with the Cameron Wilson and Colin Dolph match on the ninth hole, Wilson drained a curling 55-footer for birdie and to win the hole, putting him 2-up.
Billy Condon
Billy Condon
Live Blog from the Quagliano-Wilson Match
Stepping to the tee on the par-three 17th hole and down two, Quagliano needs to knock his shot close - and does! However, Wilson answers yet again and his ball comes to rest inside of Quagliano's. Quagliano misses his birdie putt and concedes the hole, resulting in a first-round victory for Cameron Wilson.
Billy Condon
Billy Condon
Live Blog from the Quagliano-Wilson Match
Quagliano found himself on the front of the green on the 16th hole while Wilson hit his approach long into the rough behind the green. Wilson chips and nearly sinks the shot. Quagliano needs to make his par putt - and he makes the four-foot tester.
Billy Condon
Billy Condon
Live Blog from the Quagliano-Wilson Match
On 15, Quagliano ropes a drive down the middle of the fairway and Wilson follows by pulling his shot to the right under a tree. Wilson punches out down the fairway and eventually sinks a 12-footer for birdie. Quagliano answers again and makes his birdie putt.
Wilson hits his drive on the par-4 hole-high and Quagliano hits his approach to fifteen feet. Quagliano proceeds to pour in his birdie putt while Wilson misses his.
On the par-three 12th, Quagliano is just short of the green while Wilson flew the green. Quagliano chipped up and made par but Wilson made a spectacular up and down to halve the hole.
Billy Condon
Wilson hits his drive on the par-4 hole-high and Quagliano hits his approach to fifteen feet. Quagliano proceeds to pour in his birdie putt while Wilson misses his.
On the par-three 12th, Quagliano is just short of the green while Wilson flew the green. Quagliano chipped up and made par but Wilson made a spectacular up and down to halve the hole.
Billy Condon
Live Blog from the Quagliano-Wilson Match
The par-four tenth hole proved to be a rewarding for Wilson, as he made a birdie four and moved to 3-up in the match.
Billy Condon
Billy Condon
Live Blog from the Quagliano-Wilson Match
The players reach the par-four ninth hole, where Wilson sticks his approach shot. Quagliano, who was on in three, concedes the hole and goes 2-down. Quagliano, who was runner-up at the Met Amateur in 2003, has some ground to make up as the players move to the challenging back nine at Hackensack Golf Club.
Billy Condon
Billy Condon
Live Blog from the Quagliano-Wilson Match
The players came to the 398-yard 7th hole all square, but it was Wilson who walked away with a 1-up lead. Quagliano was on in two, but an unfortunate three putt led to a bogey to Wilson's par. The players halved the par-five 8th hole and Wilson remains 1-up.
Billy Condon
Billy Condon
Live Blog from the Quagliano-Wilson Match
Wilson hit his first fairway of the day at the par-four fifth hole, but Quagliano narrowly misses his birdie putt and Wilson concedes the hole. Both players are intensely focused and conversation has been at a minimum.
The players halve the par-three sixth hole after just missing a pair of makeable birdie putts. The match remains all square through six holes.
Billy Condon
The players halve the par-three sixth hole after just missing a pair of makeable birdie putts. The match remains all square through six holes.
Billy Condon
Live Blog from the Quagliano-Wilson Match
Sixteen players advanced to match play at the 107th Met Amateur Championship at Hackensack Golf Club in Oradell, N.J. Billy Condon of the MGA Communications staff is following the match between 2009 Carter Cup champ Cameron Wilson of Shorehaven and former Duke University golf team captain Michael Quagliano of GlenArbor.
Wilson is 1-up through three holes after making par on the long, par-four second hole to Quagliano's bogey. A pair of 4s at the fourth hole keep Wilson 1-up, despite the fact that he has missed three fairways. He has relied on his short game and its paying off.
Wilson is 1-up through three holes after making par on the long, par-four second hole to Quagliano's bogey. A pair of 4s at the fourth hole keep Wilson 1-up, despite the fact that he has missed three fairways. He has relied on his short game and its paying off.
August 6, 2009
Defending Champ McDonagh Misses Cut
By Billy Condon
Defending Met Amateur champion Tommy McDonagh will not advance to match play after shooting rounds of 75 and 74. After winning the Met Amateur championship in 2006 at Baltusrol, he missed the cut in 2007 at Wykagyl. It appears a pattern is forming with McDonagh winning the championship and then missing the cut every other year for the past four years. The good news is that this implies a strong finish for McDonagh next year at Quaker Ridge - time will tell.
Defending Met Amateur champion Tommy McDonagh will not advance to match play after shooting rounds of 75 and 74. After winning the Met Amateur championship in 2006 at Baltusrol, he missed the cut in 2007 at Wykagyl. It appears a pattern is forming with McDonagh winning the championship and then missing the cut every other year for the past four years. The good news is that this implies a strong finish for McDonagh next year at Quaker Ridge - time will tell.
Ace in the Hole
By Billy Condon
With his dad on the bag (see post below) Brian Whitman now has bragging rights after getting a hole-in-one on the sixth hole, a 160-yard par three.
With his dad on the bag (see post below) Brian Whitman now has bragging rights after getting a hole-in-one on the sixth hole, a 160-yard par three.
Go Low or Go Home
By Billy Condon
With the competitors finishing up their first 18 holes of the day, one thing is for sure: if you want to advance to match play, you have to go low. With David Weisfeld shooting a 65, tying the lowest 18-hole round under par (6-under) and the second-lowest 18-hole round in Met Amateur stroke play qualifying (65). Six scores are already in under par and things are on pace to result in a lot of red figures by the 16 names who will play tomorrow.
With the competitors finishing up their first 18 holes of the day, one thing is for sure: if you want to advance to match play, you have to go low. With David Weisfeld shooting a 65, tying the lowest 18-hole round under par (6-under) and the second-lowest 18-hole round in Met Amateur stroke play qualifying (65). Six scores are already in under par and things are on pace to result in a lot of red figures by the 16 names who will play tomorrow.
A Family Affair
By Billy Condon
As mentioned earlier, Mike Ballo has his brother Peter on his bag today at the Met Amateur. Peter, who begins his freshman year at St. John's University this fall, has been receiving guidance all summer- (and throughout his life) from fellow Red Storm teammate and senior captain, brother Mike.
Ed Whitman, the head golf professional at Knickerbocker is also out on the course at Hackensack today. How is this possible at an amateur event? Ed has taken on the caddie duty for his son Brian. The Whitman duo seems to be having success as Brian played his first nine holes (the back nine) at two-under. Words of wisdom: Keep paying attention to dad's reads!
Note: The three Wilson's in the field: Cameron, Pat and Peter are not related.
As mentioned earlier, Mike Ballo has his brother Peter on his bag today at the Met Amateur. Peter, who begins his freshman year at St. John's University this fall, has been receiving guidance all summer- (and throughout his life) from fellow Red Storm teammate and senior captain, brother Mike.
Ed Whitman, the head golf professional at Knickerbocker is also out on the course at Hackensack today. How is this possible at an amateur event? Ed has taken on the caddie duty for his son Brian. The Whitman duo seems to be having success as Brian played his first nine holes (the back nine) at two-under. Words of wisdom: Keep paying attention to dad's reads!
Note: The three Wilson's in the field: Cameron, Pat and Peter are not related.
Off and Running at 107th Met Amateur
By Billy CondonThe Met Area's amateur stars have come to Oradell, New Jersey, for the 107th playing of the Met Amateur at Hackensack Golf Club. Fresh off of his win at the Carter Cup yesterday at Baltusrol Golf Club down the Garden State Parkway from Hackensack, Cameron Wilson looks to continue his hot streak as he and fellow competitors Brian Komline and Pat Pierson have just teed off on the first hole. Also seen around the grounds this morning are 2008 & 2006 Met Amateur champ Tommy McDonagh and 2009 Ike champion Mike Ballo - who has his brother Peter on the bag as his caddie. Another player looking determined is Michael Quagliano, who sits in second place behind Ballo on the MGA Player of the Year points race
.Other player notes:
-Along with Wilson, there are a few other players in the field who competed yesterday in the heat and humidity at Baltusrol. They include: Jonathan Renza, Jisoo Park, and Pat Wilson, who has Carter Cup competitor Brody Nieporte on his bag.
-The pups aren't the only players ready to go. MGA tournament veterans such as Dick Siderowf, Ron Vanelli, Peter Van Ingen, Ken Bakst and Ed Gibstein have all warmed up and are aiming to shoot low.
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