-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.
Showing posts with label Ridgewood Country Club. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ridgewood Country Club. Show all posts
August 27, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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