MGA Swing Thoughts

Morning Recap

2011-07-06T16:33:00.000-04:00

Following the first round of play at the 64th MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship at Hominy Hill Golf Course, there’s a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard. Included in this trio is Dennis Lynch of Nassau Players, the two-time defending MGA Mid-Amateur champion. “I hit it close a few times and made some birdies,” said Lynch, the most experienced tournament player among the leading contenders. “I think someone might go low [this afternoon]. I’m just going to go out and try to make as many birdies as I can.”

Eric LefanteJoining Lynch are two players much to the 50-year-old Lynch’s junior: Adam Larkin, 19, of Bethpage and Marc Kunesch, 20, of Rolling Green. All three players shot one-under-par 71’s and are paired in the last groups for this afternoon’s final round.

“I birdied two of the first three holes, so I started off well,” said Kunesch. “My game is starting to come together. Also I really like the course; it’s pretty straightforward and you can play it well after just one practice round, which I had.”

Also in contention is 2008 Met Junior champion Anthony Aloi of MGA e-Club New Jersey, who shot a first-round 72 and birdied the first two holes of his afternoon round to jump ahead of the pack. Aloi can win his second MGA title with a solid afternoon round. Two-time NJSGA Public Links champion (2009 & ’10) Eric LeFante, also playing out of MGA e-Club New Jersey, is no stranger to Hominy Hill as he grew up playing the Monmouth County public track that is regularly considered one of the finest public courses in the Met Area.

First Tee of Metropolitan New York participant and future Penn State Nittany Lion Xander McDonald-Smith shot a first-round 73 and is in a good position to make a move further up the leaderboard this afternoon.

Hominy Hill proved to challenge the field in the morning round as the scoring average was 76.7 and only one eagle was recorded. A strong thunderstorm hit the course just before 2:00pm, causing a delay in play and possibly causing softer greens and more birdie opportunities as the day progresses. The final 18 holes should provide some exciting action as 14 players are within three shots of the lead, making it anyone’s championship to win.

Play Suspended at Public Links

2011-07-06T13:57:00.001-04:00

Second-round play at the 64th MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship at Hominy Hill was suspended at 1:56pm due to lightning in the area. Players were given the option of completing play on the hole they had started. Hopefully the storm cell, which is fast-moving and to the southwest, will pass by quickly.

USGA Public Links at Hominy Hill

2011-07-06T11:05:00.002-04:00

In addition to hosting four previous MGA/MetLife Public Links Championships, Hominy Hill has also been the site of two USGA national championships. The 1983 U.S. Public Links Championship was held here, and that year former University of Houston golf standout Billy Tuten took the title with a 3 & 1 victory over David Hobby. In 1995, Hominy Hill hosted the U.S. Women's Public Links Championship, won by Jo Jo Robertson. Robertson went on to win the title again in 1997, and was a member of the 1998 U.S. Curtis Cup team.

Hominy Hill's Championship Tradition

2011-07-06T10:53:00.003-04:00

The 64th MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship is being held at a familiar place: Hominy Hill Golf Course in Colts Neck, N.J. The jewel of the Monmouth County Parks system, Hominy is no stranger to big-time competition. This is the fifth time the 6.918-yard, par-72 Robert Trent Jones layout is hosting the MGA Public Links, with the previous editions coming in 1986, 1991, 1996, and 1999.

Hominy has a history of producing fine champions. In 1986, Charlie Cowell won the MGA/MetLife Public Links here, and would go on to win the 1994 Met Open. Paul Dickinson took the title in 1996, and then repeated the following year at Bethpage Black (the same two-year course rotation that the MGA will follow this year and next year). In 1999, New Jersey native Lee Richardson won his third MGA/MetLife Public Links title at Hominy.

We'll look forward to seeing which Met Area marquee name hoists the trophy today after 36 holes of competition.

Four On the Number

2011-06-06T18:39:00.002-04:00

Three professionals and one amateur are leaving Canoe Brook happy after earning spots in the 111th U.S. Open. Geoff Sisk, a 46-year-old Nationwide Tour pro from Marshfield, Mass., qualified for his sixth U.S. Open and earned medalist honors with a total of six-under-par 137. Three players finished one stroke behind him at 138: 19-year-old amateur Cheng-tsung Pan, Alexandre Rocha of Brazil, and Englishman Matt Richardson.

Zack Byrd and Nate McCoy, who finished at 139, played off for the alternate positions, with Byrd earning first alternate after a chip-in on the first playoff hole.

Pan Pulls Ahead Through 27

2011-06-06T15:02:00.002-04:00

The youngster Cheng-tsun Pan made the turn in his afternoon round at one-under-par and stands at six-under-par total through 27 holes. Three-time U.S. Open qualifier Geoffrey Sisk made a big move, shooting four-under-par 32 on his front nine on the North Course to leap to five-under-par total.

Sixes are Wild

2011-06-06T12:11:00.003-04:00

Ideal scoring conditions are contributing to a lot of red numbers on the scoreboard at U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying. Two players posted scores of five-under 66 on the South Course this morning: 18-year-old amateur Cheng-tsung Pan and four-time European Tour winner Mathias Gronberg. Pan is nearing high school graduation from the IMG Leadbetter Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and will play golf for the University of Washington starting in the fall. Gronberg, 39, is currently in the top 10 on the Nationwide Tour money list and enjoying one of his best seasons on that tour.

Liu a Titleholding Teenager

2011-06-06T09:22:00.002-04:00

There is only one player in today's U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying field who has previously hoisted a USGA championship trophy: 15-year-old Jim Liu, who also happens to be the youngest player at Canoe Brook today. Liu, of Smithtown, N.Y., on Long Island, won the U.S. Junior last year in Michigan, and broke the record previously held by Tiger Woods as the youngest champion in that event's history. Liu is aiming to play in his first U.S. Open.

Positive MGA Vibes

2011-06-06T08:40:00.002-04:00

There are 11 U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying sites across the country, and players choose the site where they'd like to attempt to qualify. Nine players in the field today at Canoe Brook have successfully qualified for past U.S. Opens in MGA-run qualifiers, and hope that teeing it up in the Met Area once again will yield the same result. The players, and where they previously qualified, are as follows:
--Geoffrey Sisk (2007, Century CC/Old Oaks CC, Purchase, N.Y.; 2004, Canoe Brook; 2003, Century/Old Oaks)
--Chris Nallen (2006 and 2005, Canoe Brook)
--Andrew Svoboda (2006, Canoe Brook)
--Jim McGovern (2002, Century/Old Oaks)
--Yohann Benson (2008, Century/Old Oaks)
--Michael Welch (2009, Century/Old Oaks)
--Jim Herman (2010, Canoe Brook)
--Jon Curran (2010, Canoe Brook)
--Dan McCarthy (2010, Canoe Brook)

Svoboda Aims for Fourth Open

2011-06-06T08:08:00.002-04:00

Among the 83 U.S. Open hopefuls at Canoe Brook Country Club this morning is 2003 Met Open and 2004 Met Amateur champion Andrew Svoboda, who now plays full-time on the Nationwide Tour. The 31-year-old St. John's alumnus has played in three career U.S. Opens, including two of the last three (2009 at Bethpage and 2008 at Torrey Pines). He is paired today with Mark McCormick, the head professional at Suburban Golf Club in Union, N.J.

2010 MGA Year End Video

2010-12-06T10:50:00.000-05:00

Tight Race at the Senior Open

2010-08-31T15:20:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

After extending his lead to five strokes, Bobby Heins now has a one-shot lead over amateur John Ervasti of Sleepy Hollow. Ervasti sank a bunker shot for birdie on the par-4 11th hole to move to +1, and he is -1 on the day.

Heins, after making birdies at two of the first three holes, has recorded four bogeys on the fifth, seventh, ninth and tenth holes and is at even par for the championship. Heins is looking to become the first three-time winner of this championship and a five-time MGA champion.

It has become quite hot out here at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, Conn., and you can be sure the winner will be the competitor with the coolest nerves.

Players and Conditions Heating Up at Senior Open

2010-08-31T13:33:00.002-04:00

-Billy Condon

As the temperature passes 90 degrees, course conditions are getting more challenging. The greens are firming up and the breeze is challenging the field, but the top contenders are fighting back punch for punch - or in this case, putt for putt. Leader Bobby Heins is -2 thru three holes and stands at -4 for the championship. However, numerous other players are in red digits on this final day at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, Conn. John Ervasti, Bruce Zabriski, Pete Busch and Mike Diffley are all 1-under for the day as well, and all besides Diffley are at +1 for the championship.

Battling right now for low amateur, although they are very much in the race for the title of MGA Senior Open champion are Ervasti and Ed Gibstein. Gibstein is even on the day and tied with Ervasti, Busch and Zabriski at +1.

Heins Aims for Three-Peat at MGA Senior Open

2010-08-31T11:11:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

Two-time defending champion Bobby Heins of Old Oaks can become the first three-time winner of the MGA Senior Open as he enters the final round of the event at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, Conn. Heins shot an opening round 68, and holds a two-shot lead over his nearest competitor, Ed Whitman of Knickerbocker. But Heins' quest for the three-peat is not the only headline going into today's finale. Here is what to watch for:

-In the 13 previous championships, an amateur has never won the MGA Senior Open. Ed Gibstein of Engineers has a good chance after posting a 71, and has played well in this event before as he finished as the low amateur at the 2009 Senior Open.

-Ed Whitman, currently in second place (70), is the 2004 champion and would join Heins, Darrell Kestner and Russell Helwig as two-time champions. Bill Britton, the 1979 Met Open champ, who shot a first-round 73, also looks to add a second Senior Open title to his resume.

-Stay tuned all day for updates from the 14th MGA Senior Open Championship and follow live scoring on www.mgagolf.org.

Pastore Wins 8th Carter Cup at Baltusrol

2010-08-04T19:05:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

David Pastore of Greenwich, Conn., is the winner of the 8th Carter Cup. Pastore shot rounds of 70-70=140 to earn a three-stroke victory over Ryan McCormick of Middletown, N.J.

Can Anyone Catch Pastore?

2010-08-04T18:28:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

With McCormick finished and in the clubhouse with a 1-under 143, David Pastore is still going strong and is -3 for the championship. The only player who can catch him is Mike Miller, who stands at even-par. And Miller has a chance as he is going into the par-5 17th and 18th holes. Stay tuned as the action plays out at Baltusrol.

Players Go Lower on the Lower

2010-08-04T16:41:00.002-04:00

-Billy Condon

The Lower Course at Baltusrol, site of numerous U.S. Opens and the 2005 PGA Championship, has been the better-scoring course for the players at The Carter Cup. As the leaders are going low on the Lower (Peter Kim is 5-under thru 10 and numerous others are 3- and 2-under), the scores bring up an interesting discussion at Baltusrol. Why would the players go lower on a course that hosts major championships? Especially when it is their second 18 holes of the day, in hot and humid conditions, with no caddies? Here are a few explanations we came up with:

-The Lower Course has flatter greens than the Upper Course.
-The Upper Course requires much more intimate knowledge of the undulations on the greens and strategies for attacking the flag, something very hard to come by when playing the course for the first time or one time a year.
-Players gain a mental edge knowing they are playing a course where names like Nicklaus and Mickelson have won.

Miller Making Charge at Baltusrol

2010-08-04T16:38:00.002-04:00

-Billy Condon

2010 Met Junior champ Mike Miller of Brewster, N.Y., is making a strong surge to catch the leaders as he is 3-under for his second 18 holes. Miller finished in fourth place at last year's Carter Cup and hopes to make one last push in his final year of eligibility in the event.

The Race is On at Baltusrol

2010-08-04T15:40:00.004-04:00

-Billy Condon

David Pastore and Ryan McCormick have created a gap between themselves and the rest of the field as Pastore sits at 4-under and McCormick at 3-under. The next closest competitors are at even-par.

Pastore Leads Going into Afternoon 18

2010-08-04T15:01:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

2009 Carter Cup runner-up David Pastore of Greenwich, Conn., is the first-round leader after firing a two-under-par 70 and is one-under thru one hole in his afternoon 18 on the Lower Course. Pastore, who also won the Met Junior on two occasions (2009 & 2006), is playing with 2010 Met Junior champ Mike Miller and perennial Carter Cup contender Sean Kelly of Staten Island, N.Y.

Ryan McCormick of Middletown, N.J., is right on Pastore's heels as he is three-under on his afternoon round and two-under for the championship.

Kim Makes an Ace on Third at Baltusrol

2010-08-04T10:56:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

2008 MGA/MetLife Boys champion Peter Kim, who will be representing the MGA on the 2010 Williamson Cup team, made a hole-in-one on the 198-yard par-3 third hole. Kim has been a little sporadic early on, so the ace is sure to help. Through seven holes, he has recorded an ace, two birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey. The hole is playing as the 4th hardest in the early going.

They Are Who We Thought They Were

2010-08-04T10:43:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

No, Dennis Green is not spotting balls on the course at Baltusrol, but the sentiment of his words are ringing true early on at The Carter Cup. The final group of the morning is almost a third of the way done with their first 18 holes, and the scores are displaying seasoned MGA and Carter Cup vets at the top.

Leading the way is 2010 Met Junior champ Mike Miller (-3), followed closely by 2009 Met Junior winner and last year's Carter Cup runner-up David Pastore (-2). Rounding out the top-four, you have 2010 Met Junior runner-up Schuyler Stitzer and Dylan Crowley, who finished 4th at the Ike at Metropolis.

Let's see if these guys can keep the early momentum going in the hot humid conditions.

8th Carter Cup at Baltusrol

2010-08-04T09:51:00.005-04:00

-Billy Condon

Today is the 8th playing of The Carter Cup. An event on the MGA schedule that features some of the best young talent in Met Area golf. While the event distinguishes the top junior in the field, the tournament is played in, and celebrates the memory of Michael Carter. Here is a brief history on The Carter Cup from the MGA Media Guide:

The Carter Cup was founded in 2003 and named in honor of 20-year-old Michael J. Carter, an accomplished junior player at Baltusrol and standout member of the golf team at New Jersey’s Delbarton School. Carter died in a car accident in 2002, and Baltusrol approached the MGA about establishing an event in his memory. Carter had won junior club championships at both Baltusrol and Winged Foot Golf Clubs, and at the time of his death he was a member of the golf team at Penn State. The Carter Cup, which serves as the MGA Junior Stroke Play Championship, is a one-day, 36-hole invitational event held annually on the Upper and Lower Courses at Baltusrol. The only exception was 2005, when it was held at Winged Foot due to the playing of the PGA Championship at Baltusrol. The field is carefully selected by the MGA and includes the top junior players in the Met Area.

Tune in to the Met Amateur

2010-07-29T13:58:00.002-04:00

Starting today, there will be a live broadcast with Bill Meth and Tom Mariam on WVOX 1460 am and WVIP HD3, and on Saturday the Metro Golf Show will broadcast all day. You can also find it on www.wvox.com.

Miller Wins Met Junior

2010-07-22T15:23:00.001-04:00

-Billy Condon

Mike Miller is the 93rd Met Junior champion! After Stitzer won the 16th, both players hit their tee shots on the green of the par-3 17th. Stitzer was first to putt and came up short, with three feet left for par. Miller also missed his birdie putt and was the first to attempt par. After sinking the par putt, Miller gave a small fist pump and has now secured his first MGA championship.

Stitzer Stays Alive

2010-07-22T15:17:00.000-04:00

-Billy Condon

Schuyler Stitzer just made a putt from downtown to win the 16th hole and keep the dream alive. They head to the par-3 17th.

Miller Takes 15

2010-07-22T15:15:00.001-04:00

-Billy Condon

Mike Miller is in a good position to win his first MGA championship after taking the 15th hole to extend his lead to 3 up thru 15. Miller two-putted for par while Stitzer missed the green on his second shot and made bogey.

Miller 2 up After 14

2010-07-22T14:58:00.002-04:00

-Billy Condon

Here is the recap for holes 6-14. Stitzer's tee shot on 7 went OB and Miller capitalized by winning the hole to go 1 up.

On 8, Stitzer's first shot wound up in a greenside bunker while Miller found the green. After a great out, Stitzer and Miller halved with pars.

The next big moving hole was 10, where Miller found the green in two shots and Stitzer missed the green on his second shot and could not convert the par. Miller 2 up thru 10.

On the downhill par-4 twelfth, Miller chose to hit driver and found the hazard. Stitzer was in the fairway and after both players got on the green, Miller rolled his par opportunity well past the hole. He then conceded the hole to fall back to 1 up over Stitzer.

On 14, Stitzer's tee shot hit the trees on the left and came to rest well behind Miller's drive. Up at the green, Miller lay two and Stitzer three. Miller nearly sank the birdie opportunity and won the hole to go back to 2 up.

Miller Takes the Fifth to Square Match

2010-07-22T13:27:00.001-04:00

-Billy Condon

On the par-5 fifth, both players ripped drives down the middle with Miller edging Stitzer by a good 25 yards. Stitzer was first to play and made poor contact with a fairway wood. Miller knocked his second shot on the front left portion of the green.

Stitzer's third shot cleared the green and the bunkers behind it and ended up in the bushes. With Miller needing only two putts for birdie, Stitzer conceded the hole and in doing so, squared the match.

Miller Battles Stitzer in Final at 93rd Met Junior

2010-07-22T13:18:00.002-04:00

-Billy Condon

After a grueling three days of heat and golf, the field of 64 at the 93rd Met Junior Championship at Ardsley Country Club has been narrowed down to the final two: Mike Miller and Schuyler Stitzer. Here is a quick recap of the first few holes.

On the first hole of the championship match, Stitzer got up and down from a bunker to save par while Miller three-putted for bogey. Stitzer took a 1 up lead.

Both players came away from the second holes with bogey fours.

On the third hole, Miller finished with a score of four and made par while Stitzer struggled and made bogey. The match went back to all square.

The fourth hole found Miller three-putting again and Stitzer took advantage of the hiccup and made birdie at the 511-yard par 5.

Tie at 2-under

2010-07-08T11:52:00.004-04:00

-Billy Condon

All of the groups have made the turn and some have even finished their morning 18. We have a three way tie at the top between Alex Edfort, Brian Komline and defending champ Josh Goldstein (pictured). They all shot 2-under 34's on their first nine holes. Goldstein, who is playing with Komline, caught fire with an eagle on 11th, his second hole of the day, and followed that up with two birdies on 13 and 15. Goldstein cooled off towards the end of his nine though with bogeys on the last two holes going into the turn. Komline, meanwhile, is playing steady golf with two birdies and six pars.

Chasing the Public Links Title at Spook Rock

2010-07-08T11:03:00.004-04:00

-Billy Condon

A field of 68 public golfers have come to Spook Rock Golf Course in Suffern, N.Y., for the 63rd MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship. Play is under way in the 36-hole event and a number of players have made the turn in red numbers. Some of the top players in the field have yet to turn. Defending champ Josh Goldstein is playing with Ike runner-up Brian Komline (pictured) and are paired together in the last group on one side. Komline, who won the NJSGA Amateur Championship earlier this season, is looking for his first MGA victory.

Players are not only battling the course today but some sticky weather. With high humidity and temperatures around 90, one non-golf related advantage will go to the players who brought a shirt to change into for their final 18 holes.

Day Two at the Ike

2010-06-29T08:22:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

There are some familiar faces atop the leader board at the Ike. Defending champ Mike Ballo Jr. and 2008 MGA Player of the Year Joe Saladino are recognizable names, but there are also a few relative unknowns who are in contention as well.

Meet Russell Giglio, a 25-year-old Iona graduate who works for IBM. Giglio is tied with Ballo and Saladino and he plays out of Orange County Country Club. Giglio is excited to be in contention and during the rain delay during the first round, texted his family telling them that we was in the lead at the Ike. Giglio took a day off from work to play at the Ike, and joked that now he has to tell his manager he is going to need another day off from work because he made the cut. If Giglio goes on to win, hopefully his manager will cut him some slack for his time out of the office.

The other player tied at the top is Chris Ferraro, who won the NJCAA Division III National Championship this past season for Suny Ulster. Ferraro was also named the Most Outstanding Player by the Mid Hudson Conference and he hopes that his strong finish to the college season continues here at Metropolis. He plays out of Twaalfskill.

At the end of the day it will be a new or familiar face holding the Ike trophy. Until then, let's get to some golf.

Play set to resume

2010-06-28T16:04:00.001-04:00

-Billy Condon

Play is set to resume at 4:20. Players are getting in position now to finish their rounds.

Rain Delay halts play

2010-06-28T14:55:00.002-04:00

-Billy Condon

Play has been stopped as severe rain has been coming down at Metropolis. As of now, there is no set time that play will resume, but the system should pass within the hour. At the time of the delay, Russell Giglio made the turn at 3-under and looks to resume his strong play when the players are let back on the course.

When it rains...

2010-06-28T14:29:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

It pours. The rain has started coming down and it is coming down hard. The afternoon wave of players now has to deal with a downpour that will be sure to cause scoring issues. Players are still out on the course and have to deal with the elements.

Birmingham makes an ace

2010-06-28T14:09:00.002-04:00

-Billy Condon

Michael Birmingham of the Nassau Players club on Long Island made a hole-in-one on the fourth hole, a par-3 from 188 with a 6-iron. Congratulations Michael!

Saladino Leads at the Ike

2010-06-28T13:50:00.004-04:00

-Billy Condon

The morning wave of players have finished and Joe Saladino sizzled out on the course with a 2-under 69. Saladino had 6 birdies on the round, no surprise because of his comfort level at Metropolis. Mike Stamberger and Robert Cronheim also came in under par with 1-under 70's. Saladino is the clubhouse leader but defending champ Mike Ballo Jr. and Cameron Wilson are on the course and also have the goods to go low.

The weather for the afternoon is continued heat and humidity with the possibility of storms, but a 100% chance of birdies.

Live Chat from the Ike at Noon

2010-06-28T11:49:00.004-04:00

Live from the Ike - a live chat where you can ask questions and send comments about the Ike and the MGA kicks off at noon. Here is the link: Live from the Ike

Why to like the Ike

2010-06-28T10:09:00.004-04:00

-Billy Condon

The MGA's amateur stroke play championship, the Ike, is one of the toughest tests of regional amateur golf in the country and brings out one of the premier Met Area fields. Looking at the numbers, it doesn't take long to comprehend why this event is so difficult to win, and why George Zahringer III's five Ike titles will probably never be matched.

20 former MGA champions are in the field of 110, with three of those being former Ike winners (Mike Ballo Jr., Greg Rohlf and Roger Hoit). Cameron Wilson and Joe Saladino, the last two winners of the MGA Player of the Year award are also competing, and both of them, along with Rohlf, played in the MGA's French-American Challenge at Metropolis in 2008, giving the trio an added knowledge of the course.

When you add in the accomplishments and recent strong play of players such as Mike Miller, Dave Pastore, Brian Komline and John Ervasti, the championship will surely be well deserved for the player who comes out on top.

With such a stacked field and outstanding golf course testing the competitors, it is hard to not like the Ike.

Ike kicks off in heat and humidity

2010-06-28T08:52:00.005-04:00

-Billy Condon

The 55th Ike Championship is off and running and the field will be feeling the heat both from the competitiveness of one of the finest amateur golf fields, and also from the muggy conditions. It is just before 9:00 and the temperature is already in the high 80's with a heat index of 91.

Players such as 2009 Met Amateur runner-up John Ervasti, 2008 MGA Player of the Year Joe Saladino and 2009 MGA Senior Amateur champ Al Small all teed up in the early wave and are out on the course. They are looking to post solid rounds early before the championship reaches its hottest temperatures.

Two players familiar with MGA championships who will be facing the afternoon heat will be defending Ike champ Mike Ballo Jr. and 2009 MGA Player of the Year Cameron Wilson, who are paired together and tee off at 1:00.

Nationwide Miss Brings Pebble Trip

2010-06-07T17:13:00.002-04:00

-Billy Condon

A missed cut at this week's Nationwide Tour event turned out to be a "blessing in disguise" for Blaine Peffley. Peffley, a native of Lebanon, Pa., shot a second-round 70 for a combined score of 138 and in turn he can punch his ticket to the U.S. Open at Pebble. Peffley expressed how in golf, you can never get too down nor too high with great rounds and poor rounds. Peffley has conditional status on the Nationwide Tour this season, and through a sponsor exemption, got into the field in Maryland last week. Had he not missed the cut, he would not have had the chance to play a practice round at Canoe Brook, and things may have turned out differently. Peffley likes to keep it simple, attributing his success today succinctly with "fairways and greens, that's all we were trying to do."

Lee Finishes Even

2010-06-07T16:33:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

Beon Yeong Lee, an amateur from Montreal, put on an afternoon show and shot a second-round 68 to finish at even-par for his two rounds. Although it is too early to tell what this will mean for Lee's chances of heading to Pebble Beach, the seven birdies that Lee put together show that he's got game.

An afternoon round of 68 is impressive given that many players in the field have fizzled off after strong first rounds, and the breezy conditions may continue to plague players who still are on the course. A few players to mention who are still on the course and going strong include Dan McCarthy of Syracuse, N.Y., Blaine Peffley of Lebanon, Pa., and PGA Tour pro Len Mattiace.

Mattiace-Wilson Group Updates

2010-06-07T15:40:00.002-04:00

-Adam Holzschuh

18th Hole Shot-by-Shot

Mattiace:
-Drive down the right-hand side of the fairway, ended up rolling into the first cut
-Decides to hit fairway wood, pulls it left, but the ball takes a gratuitous bounce off of a tree and puts him in a decent lie with a look at the pin
-Pitch shot hits the back edge of the green, bounces off the back
-Beautiful chip just past the pin, sinks a par-saving 7-footer

Wilson:
-Wilson's drive strays into the right fairway bunker, however he has a decent lie
-Great shot out of the sand to put him approximately 75 yards from the hole on the left side of the fairway
-Pitch shot takes a hard bounce and rolls off of the back of the green
-Chip shot comes up short, leaves Wilson with an 8-foot par putt, which he lips out
-Makes tap in for bogey on the 18th

Mattiace-Wilson Group Update

2010-06-07T15:27:00.003-04:00

-Adam Holzschuh

Mark it down as another par for Mattiace at the 17th. He remains at two-under for his first nine of the afternoon round. Cameron Wilson missed another close par putt for his fourth bogey of the second round.

Mattiace-Wilson Group Updates

2010-06-07T15:04:00.002-04:00

-Adam Holzschuh

Len Mattiace continues his consistent play by recording another par at the 16th. Wilson's struggles continue as his 10-foot par attempt lipped out forcing him to settle for another bogey, his third in seven holes, and bringing him back to even for the day.

Mattiace-Wilson Group Updates

2010-06-07T14:53:00.001-04:00

-Adam Holzschuh

Cameron Wilson misses his ten-foot birdie putt on the 15th hole as both players walk away with pars.

Mattiace-Wilson Group Updates

2010-06-07T14:40:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

We will be providing updates for the group of Len Mattiace and Cameron Wilson for their first nine holes of the second round. Mattiace started off Par-Birdie-Par-Birdie-Par while Wilson went Bogey-Bogey-Par-Par-Par as they just finished the 14th hole. Mattiace drilled a six footer for birdie on the 13th and his birdie on the 11th hole was one of the few on the day - if not the only one on the challenging par 3.

Wilson struggled to find his rhythm out of the gate as both his approach shots and putts missed the target on the opening holes. The young phenom is familiar to the pressures of tournament golf, but with a first trip to the U.S. Open on the line, mental toughness will be the key.

Soaring Eagles

2010-06-07T13:30:00.002-04:00

-Billy Condon

Andrew Giuliani, the 2009 Met Open champ closed out his morning round in style by holing out from the fairway for eagle on the par-4 ninth hole, his final hole of the morning round. It was a great way to finish up a rocky opening round as Giuliani bogeyed holes 5-7 (his 14th, 15th and 16th), and then went birdie-eagle to finish.

Jim McGovern finished the morning round at even par, and with a large contingent of fans following the New Jersey native, McGovern looks to use that support to continue his strong play into the second round.

Peffley Fires Morning 68

2010-06-07T12:19:00.002-04:00

Blaine Peffley of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, holds the early morning clubhouse lead after shooting a 4-under 68. He put together a solid first round with two birdies on the front and back and no bogeys.

Peffley currently plays on the NGA Hooters Tour and theEGolf Professional Tour. He began his college golf career at the University of Arizona and later transferred to the University of Maryland. He has two NGA Hooters Tour victories.

A Cardinal's Eagle

2010-06-07T11:44:00.001-04:00

-Billy Condon

Add it to the highlight reel - Cameron Wilson drained a 25-foot eagle putt on the par-5 12th hole. Wilson found himself 238 yards from the hole after a drive down the middle, the hole measures 538 yards. With a 4-iron in hand, Wilson knocked his approach onto the back of the green, 25 feet from the cup. With a gallery on hand, Wilson knocked home the putt and calmly tapped his brim in appreciation of the claps and cheers.

Young Gun Makes Turn

2010-06-07T10:34:00.002-04:00

-Billy Condon

Cameron Wilson, the 17-year-old who will soon be a freshman at Stanford, just made the turn with his playing partner and PGA Tour veteran Len Mattiace. Both players came off the ninth hole with pars and both made the turn at even par for the round. Not one to be intimidated by PGA pros, Wilson teamed up with Camillo Villegas at the Deutsche
Bank Championship Pro-Am where the team won the event.

Young Gets Chance

2010-06-07T09:41:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

David Young, the golf professional at Sleepy Hollow Country Club and the first alternate on site, is now in the field at Canoe Brook. Young took the place of PGA Tour player Kevin Stadler, and now has an opportunity to advance to the U.S. Open.

Also of note, PGA Tour player Parker McLachlin, who won the 2008 Legends Renoe-Tahoe Open and who is competing today, attended the same high school in Hawaii as President Obama and Michelle Wie. McLachlin's father coached President Obama's high school basketball team.

It's on at Canoe Brook

2010-06-07T08:40:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

The quest for the four available U.S. Open slots has started at Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, N.J., with 62 hopeful professionals and amateurs. Past MGA winners Cameron Wilson and Andrew Giuliani have already teed off. Wilson, the 2009 MGA player of the Year is playing with PGA Tour pro Len Mattiace. On their first hole, Wilson unloaded one of his long drives, but the lefty pulled it into the right rough. Mattiace wasn't as long, but ended up safely in the middle of the fairway.

Today's conditions are favorable with a slight wind and hard, fast putting surfaces. The wide fairways and large greens of Canoe Brook should play to the players advantage, but with a field full of talent, these competitors will need rely on attacking the flagstick and scoring birdies for their shot at Pebble Beach in two weeks.

Defending Champ Turns in 2-under

2010-05-11T15:29:00.004-04:00

A very good front nine for defending MGA Senior Amateur champion Al Small could have been even better if not for a double bogey on the par-four eighth hole.
"I had 91 yards into the green and thought the shot looked good, but I dunked it [into the pond in front of the green]," he said as he made the turn. Still, he made five birdies and one bogey on the front for a 2-under 34. He then hit a nice approach shot to the green on the par-three 10th hole, so perhaps he has some more birdies in him and can make a move toward the lead on the back nine.

--Greg Midland

Making Moves

2010-05-11T14:44:00.004-04:00

Timothy Hultquist of Winged Foot has had a string of fine play and is currently 2-under on his round and one back of the leaders. He is the only player in red figures on the day and both of the leaders after back-to-back birdies on the second and third holes. The leaders, Jay Blumenfeld and Randall Keleher are one-over after both had bogeys on their opening hole.

-Billy Condon

Championship Day

2010-05-11T12:45:00.005-04:00

The first groups have teed off in the final round of the MGA Senior Amateur Championship at North Shore Country Club. 34 players are set to once again test their games against a challenging golf course. Compared to yesterday's opening round, the players today will face a lengthened course measuring 6,416 yards, as well as more challenging hole locations. 2007 champ Jay Blumenfeld is tied for the lead with Randall Keleher after both men shot 73. Another past champ sitting nicely is Ron Vannelli, who will begin two shots off the pace.

Besides Blumenfeld and Vannelli, four other past champions will be chasing the leaders today. Included in this mix is Ned Steiner, Doug Vergith, Steve Rose and last year's champ Al Small.

Don't discount 2008 runner-up Joe Sommers, who is one shot back in third place and Bill Henry, a magician by trade who is looking to pull off a disappearing act by evaporating from the middle of the field and reappearing atop the leaderboard.

Stay tuned for all the exciting action with live scoring from the last six groups on www.mgagolf.org.

-Billy Condon

Afternoon Delight

2010-05-10T16:54:00.002-04:00

Conditions out at North Shore are much more favorable for the afternoon rounds as the wind is less intense and with the sun shining, the scores have been lower. 2007 champ Jay Blumenfeld made the turn at even par, as did Tom Yellin of Stanwich.

Morning Recap

2010-05-10T12:41:00.003-04:00

As scores begin filtering in from the morning rounds, the most notable news gusting in has been Randall Keleher, who made the turn at 3-under par. Keleher, who plays out of the Griff Harris Men's Club had 4 birdies on his front nine (holes 12-2).

Unsurprisingly, the players agree that the windy conditions are making it a tough day, adding significant yardage to the course's longest holes. Players are looking at smart shot-shaping as a strategy in hopes to make it to the final day of competition.

Reigning champ Al Small and 2007 champion Jay Blumenfeld have arrived at North Shore and have been warming up on the putting green. Both players had added layers to their golf ensembles.

-Billy Condon

Long Sleeves and Skull Caps

2010-05-10T09:15:00.002-04:00

Players are experiencing brisk temperatures as they battle through gusting wind at North Shore. With the temperature just under 50 degrees, the wind chill has it down to 43. Certainly these conditions are more reminiscent of those expected for the MGA Mid-Amateur that is played in the fall, atypical for May. Nonetheless, the sun is shining and the course is in great condition.

Given both the cool weather and the challenging layout of the course, the course Superintendent predicted a low score of 71. Time will tell how things will play out.

Senior Am Underway

2010-05-10T08:15:00.004-04:00

The 2010 MGA season is off and running with the Senior Amateur Championship. This year’s event contains an incredibly talented field that feature 8 past champions, including last year’s winner Al Small. However, it is 2004 champion Doug Vergith that has come to North Shore with the momentum as he won the Senior Division at the Richardson Invitational yesterday at the Seawane Club. Vergith was two down with three to play against Jim Graham, also in the field at North Shore. Vergith’s comeback included a twisting 40-foot birdie on the 17th hole as well as a 10-footer on 18 to win the match and the championship. He teed off on the first hole at 8:00 with Graham teeing off at 1:05

-Billy Condon

Let's Get Back Into the Swing of Things

2010-03-19T14:32:00.006-04:00

Billy Condon

After a nasty winter, the golf season here in the Met Area is upon us. With temperatures reaching into the 70’s in mid-March, people are already taking their game from the living room putting green to the golf course. The 2010 golf season looks to begin a little different than in previous years as controversies have rocked the game we all love. However, with the bad comes the good, and the state of the game of golf is strong in the Met Area. This is seen in a recent report that was spear-headed by the MGA and shows that the game of golf in New York State is thriving. Full story.

With great venues set up for 2010, including Bethpage Black and Quaker Ridge, and worthy champions back to defend their ’09 titles, 2010 promises to be a fantastic year for MGA golf.

So dust off the sticks, get outside, and may 2010 be filled with bogey-free days.

Photo courtesy of MGA enthusiast Michael Lehrer

Check Back in 2010

2009-12-08T10:03:00.002-05:00

Swing Thoughts will be back in full force in 2010 to cover all the exciting MGA action!

Bogies Blowing In The Wind

2009-09-30T11:20:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

The wind continues to pick up out at the Creek and mixed with the cool conditions, the players are finding scoring difficult. Speaking with the club's professional Sean Farren, who qualified for this year's U.S. Open at Bethpage said that it is windier and cooler than what can be expected this time of year. When you combine the conditions with the quick greens, it provides a great test of golf for the competitors.

Rohlf in Similar Position

2009-09-30T10:22:00.003-04:00

-Billy Condon

In last year's Mid-Am, Greg Rohlf found himself four shots out of the lead going into the final round. After a solid round, Rohlf played the waiting game while the rest of the field fell back and he wound up in a four-man playoff that he eventually won.

Today, Rohlf again entered the final round four-shots back, and on another cool and windy day that is reminiscent of that final round at Bayonne, Rohlf looks to become the first player in the championship's young history to have his name etched into the Westmoreland Cup for the second time.

It should also be noted that Rohlf was out of commission for a large portion of the 2009 season due to injury. However, Rohlf is now healthy and finds himself right in the mix.

Vannelli Clicks at Creek

2009-09-30T09:33:00.005-04:00

-Billy Condon

At the 2005 Met Amateur held at the Creek, Ron Vannelli topped Patrick Pierson in 38 holes to become the oldest winner of the championship. In yesterday's first round, Vannelli and Pierson were back at it, playing in the same group as Pierson shot 77 and Vannelli came in with a 73 and stands two-shots back of the leaders.

Follow all the live scoring at www.mgagolf.org.

Wind Picking Up at Creek

2009-09-29T10:32:00.000-04:00

-Billy Condon

With the morning wave of players all on the course for the 3rd MGA Mid-Am, scores have been wide-ranging thus far. A highlight has been Jim Graham making the turn at 1-under with a few other players close behind.

Although sunny, the wind is definitely testing the competitors. Gusting just under 20 mph, the wind speed is only going to pick up as the day goes as there is also a chance of rain this afternoon.

Gibstein Fires First-Round 70, Graham has 72

2009-09-02T13:20:00.002-04:00

Amateur Ed Gibstein of Engineers, the 1994 Ike champ, is making the most of his first year of eligibility at the MGA Senior Open. He carded a first-round, even-par 70, including a one-under 34 on the back nine. Gibstein had a rough start to his round with a bogey at the second hole and a double bogey at the par-three third hole, but recovered nicely with birdies at the fourth, fifth and seventh. He's currently the low amateur in the clubhouse.

Last year's Senior Open low amateur, Jim Graham of Winged Foot, just signed his card and turned in a first-round 72. Graham, who started on the 10th hole, was one-under after nine, but three bogeys on the back dropped him a few shots.

Check back for more updates as the first round of the MGA Senior Open continues.

About Am Time?

2009-08-31T16:28:00.003-04:00

-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.

Senior Open Week

2009-08-31T16:01:00.003-04:00

-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.

Giuliani Holds on to Win Met Open

2009-08-27T15:57:00.003-04:00

-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.

Giuliani Holds One Shot Lead

2009-08-27T14:58:00.002-04:00

-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.

Leaders Separating Themselves From Rest of Field

2009-08-27T13:19:00.004-04:00

-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.

Casalino Off to Hot Start

2009-08-27T11:41:00.001-04:00

-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?

Final Day Kicks Off at Met Open in Style

2009-08-27T09:43:00.003-04:00

-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.

Tough Conditions Stump Players

2009-08-26T17:21:00.002-04:00

-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.

More Unique Bags

2009-08-26T12:26:00.004-04:00

-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

2009-08-26T08:20:00.013-04:00

-Billy Condon

Good 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:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Metropolitan-Golf-Association-MGA/70916464664?ref=ts

Met Open Afterthoughts

2009-08-25T19:12:00.003-04:00

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.

17-year-old Shocks Field with 67

2009-08-25T18:20:00.002-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T17:38:00.004-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T17:33:00.002-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T17:13:00.004-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T17:09:00.003-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T16:28:00.002-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T16:01:00.003-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T15:50:00.003-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T15:25:00.003-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T15:17:00.003-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T15:14:00.002-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T14:39:00.002-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T12:35:00.003-04:00

-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."

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T12:28:00.002-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T11:56:00.004-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T11:22:00.004-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T10:47:00.005-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T10:22:00.003-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T10:00:00.002-04:00

-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.

Met Open - Live From the Five and Dime Hole

2009-08-25T09:27:00.004-04:00

-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).

The Kid's Got Game

2009-08-07T14:54:00.001-04:00

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