2023 NYS Boys' & Girls' Junior Amateur Championship Program

2023

NEW YORK STATE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ JUNIOR AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Lake Placid Club - Lake Placid, New York

July 26-28, 2023

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NYSGA Officers

President - Henry Fust, Onondaga G&CC

1st VP - Jamie Miller, Crag Burn GC

2nd VP - Doug Vergith, Chautauqua GC

Secretary - Iris Stanek, Lancaster CC

Treasurer - Robert Smith, Highland Park GC

General Counsel - Peter Jones, Drumlins CC

NYSGA Executive Committee

Shawn Baker, Oak Hill CC

Lee Bearsch, Binghamton CC

John Burns, Niagara Falls CC

Ryan Gabel, Southern Dutchess CC

Jim Gifford, Mohawk GC

Megan Grehan, Hudson National GC

Brent Herlihy, Glens Falls CC

Lawrence Lessing, The Creek

Christy Schultz, Oak Hill CC

Frank Suits, Cortland CC

Rich Weber, Brookfield CC

Brian Williams, Winged Foot CC

Norm Amyot

Michael Aquino

Fred Arliss

Larry Arliss

Gary Assad

John Barry

John Bartholomew

David Beattie

Al Belair

Vic Bergsten

Marci Bevilacqua

Doreen Biviano

John Blain

Vincent Bonvino

Chris Boynton

Timothy Brady

David Braunscheidel

Gene Bullis

John Bullis

Ted Casey

Sue Chambers

Michael Chianelli

Cory Ciambella

Brian Clark

Matt Clarke

Andrew Conway

James Cook

Darrell Cornett

Thomas Cotter

George Cretekos

Jerry Danielski

John Davis

Garrett Davitt

Gordon Dewey

Todd Dischinger

Patric Donaghue

Renato Donato

Mike Donnelly

Dick Dorgan

Michael Drennen

Georgia Dusckas

NYSGA Staff

Bill Moore Executive Director

Andrew Hickey

Assistant Executive Director

Dan Thompson Director, Marketing and Partnerships

Jack Travers

Assistant Director, Rules & Competitions

Mark Ackley Manager, Course Rating

Deb Spilman Manager, Special Events & Volunteer Operations

Michael Dirkes Manager, Regional Associations

Christopher Buerle Communications Intern

Chrissy Van Allen

USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Intern

Damian Rodriguez

USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Intern

Alexander King USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Intern

NYSGA Committee

Tom Eckert

Wayne Eckhardt

Joe Enright

Laurie Enright

John Ernst

Vie Evans

Karen Feldman

Mary Beth Fiore

Mark Fitzgerald

Michael Fitzgerald

Georgette Folley

Adrian Forzani

Tim Frank

John Gaffney

Richard Galvin

Bill Geider

Brad Griffin

Tom Hahn

Julie Hamm

David Hayes

Joe Hazard

Sherry Heath

Patrick Henry

Jeff Holmes

Braden Houston

John Hudacs

Al Huggard

Don Hurley

Ed Kaczor

Robert Kawa

Tim Kayes

Mary Ann Keeler

Stephen Keeler

Jeffrey Kennicutt

Edward Koslick

John Kulesa

Peter Lalla

Nan Lanahan

Tom Lanahan

Rod Lindstrom

Bill Loehr

Janis Luce

Ron Mack

Patrick MacRae

Susan Marsh

Robert Martin

Ronald Mason

Patricia Mayne

Jim McConnell

Theresa McGibbon

Thomas McGibbon

Pat McKenna

James McKillip

Patrick McNierney

Sean McPhee

Richard Meath

Brian Merritt

James Meyers

Gene Meyle

Ginny Meyle

Matthew Micheli

Bill Moore

Matthew Moran

Bill Moreland

Albert Mowery

Jack Mulvey

Art Munson

Jim Murrett

Thomas Oles

Thomas Owen

Rocco Palmieri

Brandon Payne

Mark Perry

Noah Poskanzer

Richard Prestopnik

Joe Pucello

John Quijano

Nick Raasch

John Raunick

John Reagan

Tom Reidy

Joseph Riccio

James Roff

Robert Rosen

Sean Rotella

Tony Scarpello

Chris Schmidt

Carl Schultz

Tim Schum

Dan Scott

Martin Siefka

Robert Simms

Sue Sims

Sarah Simson

Jaspal “Ricky” Singh, M.D.

David Smith

John Sniezyk

Ron Socash

Don Sommerville

Joseph Sorrento

Jerry Stahl

Edward Stanek

Tom Steele

Peter Stoj

Joseph Strykowski

John Sullivan

Levin Sullivan

Gale Sutton

Thelma Taylor

David Vaneenenaam

Jerry Vereeke

Mona Wasserman

Rich Weber

Bryan Whooten

Loretta Whooten

Steve Wilber

Richard Wilson

Doug Young

Jon Zucarelli

WELCOME

On behalf of the entire New York State Golf Association, welcome to the 2023 New York State Boys’ and Girls’ Junior Amateur Championships!

The NYSGA is pleased to join with the leadership and staff of Lake Placid Golf Club to provide a memorable challenge in crowning New York State’s Boys’ and Girls’ Junior Amateur winners.

This will be the first time that the state junior tournament will be hosted by the club’s classic adirondack golf courses. The club has previously hosted Women’s Seniors in 1967, 1977 and 1978, Men’s Seniors in 1943, 1944 and 1970, three Women’s Amateurs from 1942-1944, and two consecutive Men’s Amateurs in 1943-1944. The three different championships held at Lake Placid Club from 1943-44 were played simultaneously due to the impact of World War II.

We certainly anticipate an exciting and memorable competition over the next several days, and the golf course and setup will surely challenge the players to utilize their full ability and skill.

I’d like to offer our thanks and appreciation to the management, club and pro shop staff, and especially the course grounds crew, whose combined efforts have provided us with this wonderful championship venue.

Finally, I’d like to thank our NYSGA staff and fantastic team of tournament volunteers, who work tirelessly to provide a first-class experience and support the talented players that participate in our competitions.

We hope you enjoy this year’s championship and we appreciate your support of our association and tournaments. If there’s anything that we can do to make your experience more enjoyable, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the NYSGA staff.

Sincerely,

Henry W. Fust , President New York State Golf Association

The Lake Placid Club offers 45 holes of spectacular golf in the heart of the Adirondacks. Their award-winning courses offer a unique variety of golf for players of all abilities in a truly breathtaking setting. The Club is the only 45 hole golf club in the Adirondacks.

The Lake Placid Club Links Course was designed in 1909 by the master Scottish golf instructor and club maker, Seymour Dunn. Though settled in the U.S. at the age of twelve, Dunn designed golf courses in both America and Europe. Among his best known European designs are the private courses of King Leopold of Belgium (1906), the Rothschild Estate in France (1908), and King Emmanuel of Italy (1908).

The Lake Placid Club Mountain Course was laid out in 1910 by Alexander (“Alex”) H. Findlay, who immigrated to the U.S. from Scotland in the early 1880’s and became one of the pioneers of golf in America. He is said to have played almost 2,400 courses in his lifetime, setting course records at many of them.

Art Lussi Director of Golf

Jim Beauregard Head Golf Professional

Cal Lewis Mountain Course Superintendent

Joe Deforest Links Course Superintendent

Aerial View of Lake Placid Club Links Course

HOLE NO. 1

MOUNTAIN

PAR 4 I 360 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 4 I 416 YARDS

HOLE NO. 2

MOUNTAIN

PAR 4 I 380 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 3 I 228 YARDS

HOLE NO. 3

MOUNTAIN

PAR 4 I 413 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 5 I 553 YARDS

HOLE NO. 4

MOUNTAIN

PAR 3 I 180 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 3 I 194 YARDS

HOLE NO. 5

MOUNTAIN

PAR 4 I 297 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 5 I 581 YARDS

HOLE NO. 6

MOUNTAIN

PAR 4 I 360 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 4 I 459 YARDS

HOLE NO. 7

MOUNTAIN

PAR 5 I 501 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 4 I 464 YARDS

HOLE NO. 8

MOUNTAIN

PAR 3 I 156 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 4 I 417 YARDS

HOLE NO. 9

MOUNTAIN

PAR 4 I 393 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 3 I 166 YARDS

HOLE NO. 10

MOUNTAIN

PAR 5 I 506 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 4 I 444 YARDS

HOLE NO. 11

MOUNTAIN

PAR 5 I 496 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 3 I 183 YARDS

HOLE NO. 12

MOUNTAIN

PAR 3 I 167 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 4 I 369 YARDS

HOLE NO. 13

MOUNTAIN

PAR 4 I 402 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 5 I 571 YARDS

HOLE NO. 14

MOUNTAIN

PAR 4 I 242 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 3 I 202 YARDS

HOLE NO. 15

MOUNTAIN PAR 3 I 174 YARDS LINKS

PAR 5 I 618 YARDS

HOLE NO. 16

MOUNTAIN PAR 4 I 380 YARDS LINKS

PAR 4 I 380 YARDS

HOLE NO. 17

MOUNTAIN

PAR 3 I 209 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 4 I 361 YARDS

HOLE NO. 18

MOUNTAIN

PAR 4 I 393 YARDS

LINKS

PAR 4 I 404 YARDS

Each hole includes yardages for both the boys’ 18U (bottom) and boys’ 14U, girls’ 18U and girls’ 14U (top) divisions.

The 1st and 18th Holes of the Mountain Course at Lake Placid Club

HOLE NO. 7

MOUNTAIN COURSE

HOLE NO. 16

HOLE NO. 10

HOLE NO. 17

VIEW ALL HOLES HERE!

LINKS COURSE

VIEW ALL HOLES HERE!

HOLE NO. 16

HOLE NO. 11

HOLE NO. 13

HOLE NO. 18

Past Champions of the New York State Boys’ Junior Amateur Championship

Year Host Club Champion

1931 Onondaga G&CC Hamilton W. Wright. Garden City

1932 Siwanoy CC Tommy Goodwin, Rye

1933 CC of Troy Tommy Goodwin, Rye

1934 Orchard Park CC Billy Ward, Syracuse

1935 Siwanoy CC Jack Creavy, Tuckahoe

1936 Seawane Club Alick Gerard, Southampton

1937 St. Andrew’s GC Charles C. Pettijohn, Jr., Rye

1938 Schuyler Meadows CC Guy Berner, Hamburg

1939 Lakeshore Yacht & CC Ted Welgoss, Auburn

1940 Sleepy Hollow CC Douglas Ford, Harrison

1941 Bellevue CC John Ward, Syracuse

1942 Briar Hills CC Doug Ford, Harrison

1943 Bellevue CC George M. Stuhr, Garden City

1944 -1945: Suspended for WWII

1946 -1955: Run under other auspices

1956 Bellevue CC E. Stewart Wallace Jr., Ithaca

1957 Wanakah CC John P. Konsek III, Buffalo

1958 Oak Hill CC Curt Siegel, Snyder

1959 Garden City GC John McCleary, Amsterdam

1960 Elmira CC Marc Yahn, East Amherst

1961 CC of Troy Peter Famiano, Schenectady

1962 Niagara Falls CC Ronald A. Philo, Ballston Spa

1963 Bellevue CC Carl DiCesare, Rochester

1964 Cornell University GC Craig Luther, Buffalo

1965 Briar Hill G&CC Nick Raasch, Syracuse

1966 Moon Brook CC Terry Diehl, Rochester

1967 Colonie G&CC Neil Spitalny, Colonie

1968 Lancaster CC E. J. Cardish, Jr., Troy

1969 Nottingham Knolls Billy Gormley Jr., Ballston Spa

1970 Cornell University GC Tom Street, Buffalo

1971 Seven Oaks GC Don Kalode, Liverpool

1972 Moon Brook CC Radford Yaun, Liberty

1973 Soaring Eagles GC Mark Balen, Hamburg

1974 Binghamton CC Dan Marlowe, Binghamton

1975 Stafford CC James Gridley Jr., Syracuse

1976 Lancaster CC David Boeff, Ontario

1977 Elmira CC Gary Battisoni Jr., East Aurora

1978 Seven Oaks GC John Ryan Jr., Rochester

1979 Soaring Eagles GC Bob Royak, Guilderland

1980 Winding Brook CC Alan Schulte, Oneonta

1981 Stafford CC Kyle Gay, Clarence

1982 Clifton Springs CC Eric Manning, Cortland

Year Host Club Champion

1983 Soaring Eagles GC Leonard Lasinsky, Syracuse

1984 Dutchess G&CC Daniel Wilkinson III, Cicero

1985 Wayne Hills CC Jerry Springer, Purchase

1986 Winding Brook CC Thomas C. Scherrer, Skaneateles

1987 Teugega CC Rick Spiehs, Marathon

1988 Ives Hill CC Brett Fulford, Jamestown

1989 Ontario GC Tim Larsen, Seneca Falls

1990 Seneca Lakes CC Shane Barrett, New York Mills

1991 Bristol Harbour GC Joshua Cupp, Rome

1992 Albany CC Anthony Occhipinti, Rome

1993 Wellsville CC Tim Kennedy, LeRoy

1994 Oswego CC Kyle Dwyer, Walden

1995 Shorewood CC Tim Myers, Syracuse

1996 Ridgemont CC Timothy Smith, East Aurora

1997 Shaker Ridge CC Ben Bates, Schenectady

1998 Vestal Hills CC Jonathan Bump, Apalachin

1999 Drumlins CC (East) Ben Eldridge, Ballston Spa

2000 Wellsville CC Dennis Gosier, Saratoga Springs

2001 Caledonia CC Marco Poccia, Saratoga Springs

2002 Glens Falls CC David May, Auburn

2003 Tuscarora GC David May, Auburn

2004 McConnellsville GC Alex Park, Ithaca

2005 Centerpointe CC Matthew Stasiak, Clarence

2006 Drumlins CC (East) Donald DeNyse III, Albany

2007* Mark Twain GC Dominic Bozzelli, Pittsford

2008 Oneonta CC Yaroslav Merkulov, Penfield

2009 Skaneateles CC Yaroslav Merkulov, Penfield

2010 CC of Mendon Josh Holling, Horseheads

2011 McGregor Links CC James Blackwell, North Tonawanda

2012 Mark Twain GC Gavin Hall, Pittsford

2013 Skaneateles CC Conor Raeman, Canandaigua

2014 Ridgemont CC Andrew Fedele, Rochester

2015 Cedar Lake Club Ben Reichert, East Amherst

2016 Seven Oaks GC Christian Chapman, Victor

2017 Seven Oaks GC Jude Cummings, Pittsford

2018 Seven Oaks GC Luke Sample, New York

2019 Seven Oaks GC Luke Sample, New York

2020 Suspended for COVID-19 pandemic

2021 Seven Oaks GC Anthony Delisanti, Sanborn

2022 Soaring Eagles GC Jack Berl, Victor

(*) Format changed from match play to stroke play (36 holes)

PAST CHAMPIONS

Past Champions of the New York State Girls’ Junior Amateur Championship

Year Host Club Champion

1963 Monroe GC Carolyn Ploysa, Lancaster

1964 Lakeshore Yacht & CC Gail Sykes, Ballston Spa

1965 Teugega CC Debbie Austin, Rome

1966 Stafford CC Doll Story, Clayville

1967 Seven Oaks GC Doll Story, Clayville

1968 Drumlins CC (East) Wendy Hodgson, McConnellsville

1969 Antlers CC Sara Jane Stuhler, Amsterdam

1970 Locust Hill CC Sara Jane Stuhler, Amsterdam

1971 Gowanda CC Mary Pat Kircher, Rochester

1972 Irondequoit CC Cathy Morse, Rochester

1973 CC of Ithaca Mary Lawrence, Canton

1974 Teugega CC Mary Lawrence, Canton

1975 Seven Oaks GC Cynthia Pietrusik, Lackawanna

1976 McConnellsville GC Cynthia Pietrusik, Lackawanna

1977 St. Lawrence G&CC Kathy Lawrence, Canton

1978 Ives Hill CC Lise Ann Russell, New City

1979 McConnellsville GC Pamela Darmstadt, Mamaroneck

1980 Cedar Lake Club Jamie DeWeese, Rochester

1981 Oswego CC Dottie Pepper, Saratoga Springs

1982 Pompey Club Kellie Stenzel, Geneva

1983 McConnellsville GC Dottie Pepper, Saratoga Springs

1984 Teugega CC Suzy McGuire, Fayetteville

1985 Cortland CC Lisa Brandetsas, Rochester

1986 Cedar Lake GC Lisa Brandetsas, Rochester

1987 Sodus Bay Heights GC Allison Greer, Millbrook

1988 Seven Oaks GC Sally Dee, Syracuse

1989 Corning CC Moira Dunn, Utica

1990 Oneida Community GC Julie Brand, Alder Creek

1991 Oswego CC Julie Brand, Alder Creek

1992 Dutchess G&CC Holly Turton, Ithaca

1993 Clifton Springs CC Kerri Murphy, Amsterdam

1994 CC of Ithaca Kerri Murphy, Amsterdam

1995 Oneida Community GC Kerri Murphy, Amsterdam

1996 Mohawk GC Christy Rittenhouse, Caledonia

1997 Gowanda CC Christy Rittenhouse, Caledonia

1998 Vestal Hills CC Meaghan Francella, Rye

1999 Drumlins CC (East) Meaghan Francella, Rye

2000 Wellsville CC Nannette Hill, Pelham Manor

2001 Caledonia CC Nannette Hill, Pelham Manor

2002 Glens Falls CC Nannette Hill, Pelham Manor

2003 Tuscarora GC Tessa Teachman, Webster

2004 McConnellsvile GC Kristina Wong, Vestal

2005 Centerpointe CC Anna Cho, West Nyack

2006 Drumlins CC (East) Katelynn Mannix, Glens Falls

2007* Mark Twain GC Carly Bergin, Binghamton

2008 Oneonta CC Suzie Lee, East Northport

Year Host Club Champion

2009 Skaneateles CC Bailey Cocca, Latham

2010 CC of Mendon Bailey Cocca, Latham

2011 McGregor Links CC Nicole Morales, South Salem

2012 Mark Twain GC Danielle Fuss, Rochester

2013 Skaneateles CC Alexis Hios, Rye

2014 Ridgemont CC Marah Penn, Hamburg

2015 Cedar Lake Club Maren Cipolla, Lewiston

2016 Seven Oaks GC Lindsay May, Auburn

2017 Seven Oaks GC Bailey Shoemaker, West Edmeston

2018 Seven Oaks GC Bailey Shoemaker, West Edmeston

2019 Seven Oaks GC Bailey Shoemaker, West Edmeston

2020 Suspended for COVID-19 pandemic

2021 Seven Oaks GC Julia Zigrossi, Spencerport

2022 Soaring Eagles GC Sophia Li, New York

*Format changed from match play to stroke play (36 holes)

Bailey Shoemaker Three-Time Champion

Nannette Hill Three-Time Champion

Dottie Pepper 1983 Champion

Past Champions of the New York State Boys’ Sub-Junior Amateur Championship

1957 Wanakah GC Leon Kantor, New York Mills

1958 Oak Hill CC Fred Kucker, Rochester

1959 Garden City GC Billy Snyder, Troy

1960 Elmira CC Pete Roby, Rochester

1961 CC of Troy Ronald Philo, Ballston Spa

1962 Niagara Falls CC Joseph Banazek, Syracuse

1963 Bellevue CC John Govern, Binghamton

1964 Cornell University GC Terry Diehl, Rochester

1965 Briar Hall G&CC William Harmon, Mamaroneck

1966 Moon Brook CC Richard Serian, Troy

1967 Colonie CC Peter Kern, Glen Cove

1968 Lancaster CC Don Kalode, Liverpool

1969 Drumlins CC (East) Bob Steele, Fredonia

1970 Cornell University GC Terrence O'Brien, Rochester

1971 Seven Oaks GC Joey Sindelar, Horseheads

1972 Moon Brook CC Dan Delekta, Rome

1973 Soaring Eagles GC Dan Tzivanis, Binghamton

1974 Binghamton CC Ted Brodzik, Lancaster

1975 Stafford CC John Wanish, Cortland

1976 Lancaster CC Harold Girdlestone, Hyde Park

1977 Elmira CC David Bartholic, Schenectady

1978 Seven Oaks GC Kevin Burnsworth, Oneonta

1979 Soaring Eagles GC Jamie Ungerland, Elmira Heights

1980 Winding Brook GC Ed Pfister, East Aurora

1981 Stafford CC G.C. Kling, Rochester

1982 Clifton Springs CC Tony Hejna, East Aurora

1983 Soaring Eagles GC Dan Vona, Dunkirk

1984 Dutchess G&CC Tommy Nixon, Rochester

1985 Wayne Hills CC Tommy Nixon, Rochester

1986 Winding Brook CC Tom Kircher, Pittsford

1987 Teugega CC Jonathon Doctor, Skaneateles

1988 Ives Hill CC Greg Albrecht, Endicott

1989 Ontario GC Tim Rose, Endicott

1990 Seneca Lakes CC Anthony Occhipinti, Rome

1991 Bristol Harbour GC Dan Myers, Skaneateles

1992 Albany CC Tim Kennedy, LeRoy

1993 Wellsville CC Marty Mills, LeRoy

1994 Oswego CC Kevin Haefner, East Henrietta

1995 Shorewood CC Brendan Sheeran, Niagara Falls

1996 Ridgemont CC Stephen Tokarz, Rochester

1997 Shaker Ridge CC Marco Poccia, Saratoga Springs

1998 Vestal Hills CC Dennis Gosier, Saratoga Springs

1999 Drumlins CC (East) Teddy Collins, Manlius

2000 Wellsville CC Billy Hanes, East Aurora

2001 Caledonia CC Nick Park, Ithaca

2002 Glens Falls CC Nick Park, Ithaca

2003 Tuscarora GC Matt Canavan, Saratoga Springs

2004 McConnellsville GC Peter Creighton, Kenmore

2005 Centerpointe CC Dominic Bozzelli, Pittsford

2006 Drumlins CC (East) Yaroslav Merkulov, Penfield

2007* Mark Twain GC Joe Drummond, Pittsford

2008 Oneonta CC Gavin Hall, Pittsford

2009 Skaneateles CC Gavin Hall, Pittsford

2010 CC of Mendon Henry Sandlas V, Seneca Falls

2011 McGregor Links CC Alec Bard, New Hartford

2012 Mark Twain GC Alec Bard, New Hartford

2013 Skaneateles CC Will Thomson, Pittsford

2014 Ridgemont CC Will Thomson, Pittsford

2015 Cedar Lake Club Jeremy Summerson, Victor

2016 Seven Oaks GC Jude Cummings, Pittsford

2017 Seven Oaks GC Luke Sample, New York

2018 Seven Oaks GC Anthony Maglisco, Westhill

2019 Seven Oaks GC Charlie Fischer, Orchard Park

2020 Suspended for COVID-19 pandemic

2021 Seven Oaks GC Jacob Olearczyk, Barnevald

2022 Soaring Eagles GC Jacob Olearczyk, Barnevald

Year Host Club Champion

Year Host Club Champion

Alec Bard

Two-Time Champion

Will Thomson

Two-Time Champion

NYSGA RESOURCES

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

If you are a junior golfer, you may be eligible to receive a scholarship through the NYSGA. Our fund rewards over $30,000 to deserving juniors each year. The NYSGA Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships to high school or college students that either work in golf operations at an NYSGA member club (Caddie, pro shop, bag room or golf course maintenance), compete in NYSGA tournaments, or belong to an NYSGA member club. Applications for 2024-25 school year will be available this winter.

nysga.org/scholarships

GET A FREE USGA GHIN HANDICAP

Junior golfers are eligible to get a free GHIN Handicap index by joining an NYSGA eClub!

A Handicap Index is a measurement of a player’s potential ability, is frequently used by college coaches and is an eligibility requirement for tournaments.

Entering scores couldn’t be easier with the free GHIN App, available in the Apple and Google Markets.

nysga.org/eclubs

STAY INFORMED ON JUNIOR GOLF

The NYSGA’s website has plenty of resources for junior golfers to prepare for the next step with information on high school golf, college golf programs in New York, college preparatory information and a comprehensive schedule of tournaments for junior golfers looking to compete in New York (including USGA, NYSGA, regional golf associations, PGA junior sections, national invitationals and AJGA).

nysga.org/juniorgolf

PLAYER INFORMATION

Entries

Open to male and female amateur golfers. Membership: Players must be either (1) a resident of New York State or (2) belong to an NYSGA member club or an NYSGA eClub (NYS residency required of eClub members). Must be 18 years old or younger as of July 26, 2023 and have an up-to-date USGA Handicap Index. Juniors can get one free by joining an NYSGA eClub.

Format

Boys’ & Girls 18U - 54 holes, individual stroke play

Boys’ & Girls 14U - 36 holes, individual stroke play

Cut

There is a cut after 36 holes (July 27) in each division as follows:

Girls’ 18U - Low 24 & Ties

Boys’ 18U - Low 36 & Ties

No cut in the Boys & Girls 14U - Ends After July 27

Ties

In the event of a tie for the Championship, a sudden-death playoff will be held immediately following play. If there is a tie for the winner in the Age Groups, the tie will be broken using the USGA’s method of matching scorecards.

Caddies

The use of a caddie is not permitted during the practice and championship rounds. Spectators, including parents, must not give advice to or interfere with players during any round. A breach of this Rule may result in a penalty to the player. A parent/player in breach of this Rule during the practice round may be subject to Disqualification.

Schedule of Events

Tuesday, July 25 // Practice Rounds

Wednesday, July 26 // Round 1 (18 Holes)

Thursday, July 27 // Round 2 (18 Holes) - 14U Divisions Finish, Cut in 18U Divisions

Friday, July 28 // Round 3 (18 Holes)

Coverage

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @NYSGA1923. Check out full photo galleries from all NYSGA tournaments and events at nysga.smugmug.com

BERL CLAIMS

Country Club of Rochester’s Jack Berl sank a birdie putt in front of a crowd of spectators on the eighteenth green to take the lead, and that would prove to be enough to seal the victory.

Crag Burn Golf Club’s Jacob Dantonio, who held the lead after the first round and was two groups behind Berl, maintained his lead for most day two, but a bogey on #14 pushed him into a tie with Berl at even par heading down the stretch.

Both players converted pars on #15, #16 and #17 until Berl’s clutch birdie on #18. Dantonio gave himself a good look to match Berl, but his birdie attempt burned the right edge of the cup. He tapped in for par and a second-place finish.

Berl was the only person in the field to birdie the finishing hole during the final round.

The Rochester native was four-strokes back heading into the second round and said he knew he had to put up a low number to give himself a chance at the victory.

The 80th NYS Boys’ 18U Junior Amateur Championship went down to the wire on Wednesday at Soaring Eagles Golf Course.

Jack Berl shoots 3-under to win by one stroke

80TH NYS JUNIOR AM AT SOARING EAGLES

Jack Berl

2022 CHAMPIONSHIP

“I birdied #2, #3 and #4 and then parred everything until #18,” he said. “I missed a lot of good looks, so I just tried to give myself a chance [on #18] and get it to the hole.”

Berl’s only bogey of the day came on the tough opening hole par-4, and he tallied four birdies to come in at 3-under 68 on Wednesday afternoon and 1-under 141 for the tournament.

“This might be my last junior event that I’ll play in,” Berl said. “This just brings it all together and caps off a really good junior career.”

Berl not only brings home a state title and Hickock Cup, but an exemption into the 99th New York State Men’s Amateur at Onondaga Golf and Country Club from August 9-11.

The recent high school graduate is headed to High Point University in the fall where he will play on the golf team.

Dantonio’s second place finish also earned him an exemption into the NYS Men’s Amateur (top five finishers in the Boys’ Junior earn exemptions).

“Off the tee I was pretty average, but I putted pretty well which saved me,” Dantonio said. “The last hole I gave myself a chance and just barely missed.”

His even-par total of 142 left him two strokes ahead of the third-place finisher, the NYSGA eClub – WNY’s Owen Rooney.

Brody Burgess, of Cobblestone Creek Country Club, finished in solo fourth place at 3-over 145.

Three players tied for fifth place. 2019 Boys’ 14U champion Charlie Fischer, of East Aurora Country Club; Ty Kaufman, of the NYSGA eClub – WNY and Connor Kiel, Midvale Country Club all fired 4-over 146.

Jacob Dantonio

Owen Rooney

2022 CHAMPIONSHIP

New York City’s Sophia Li claimed the 59th NYS Girls’ Junior Amateur title by four strokes at Soaring Eagles Golf Course at Mark Twain State Park last season.

Fresh off a U.S. Girls’ Junior appearance in Kentucky a few days prior, she steadily marched her way to victory around the state park layout and posted even-par 71 in both rounds.

The 15-year-old who played well during her first appearance in 2021, felt confident she could give the Betty Deely Cup a run this summer.

“Last year I came in third so I was definitely gunning for the win this time,” said Li. “It’s a bit unreal, it’s still sinking in.”

She teed off at 2:20pm in the final pairing alongside first-round co-leader Madison Chen of Met PGA Jr Golf Club and 2021 champion Julia Zigrossi of Ridgemont Country Club.

Li and Chen were tied at 1-over entering the final nine holes in Horseheads. The difference

Li fired a final round 71 to win by four strokes.

SOPHIA LI CAPTURES 59TH NYS GIRLS’ JUNIOR AMATEUR TITLE

Sophia Li

2022 CHAMPIONSHIP

was Li avoided any bogeys on the way in, while Chen slipped on Nos. 10 and 11 to begin opening a gap.

“On the back nine I was trying to keep my chill, not explode too much. I think playing with a friend and having fun kept me grounded most of the time,” she mentioned of Chen, who she’s become close with through junior golf.

“Having the good chemistry helped between us, cheering each other on and not having too toxic of an environment,” Li said about staying comfortable during the final round.

That proved to be the case as Li played the back nine of Soaring Eagles under par in both rounds, accumulating most of her mistakes on Nos. 1-7.

“It was tougher today, the wind definitely picked up towards the end when the sun was setting.”

Li is a past winner of the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals. She won the Girls’ 12-13 age group in 2019 at Augusta National.

Chen, tied for runner-up honors with Lily Zhang of Park Country Club. Zhang was also the runner-up in 2021.

13-year-old Chen, followed up her opening 71 with 75 during round two. Zhang did the opposite, firing 75 on Tuesday and 71 to close at 4-over 146.

No player in the field posted a round below par throughout the 36-hole championship.

Ysabel Liu of Flushing finished in solo fourth at 148. Renna Chang of Harbor Links Golf Course rounded out the top five at 149.

2021 champion Zigrossi, who was one stroke off the lead after round one, quickly fell into issues during the final round on the opening hole, and was unable to recover from there to finish T8.

Age group winners were also recognized with the following competitors earning some hardware: Hayden Knapp (12 & U), Ava Estrella (13), Ysabel Liu (14), Aliya Liberatore (15), Julia Zigrossi (16), Gwendolyn Yarnall (17), and Lucia Chen (18).

Lily Zhang

Julia Zigrossi

2022 CHAMPIONSHIP

In the 65th NYS Boys’ 14U Junior championship, Jacob Olearczyk of Barneveld succesfully defended his title and won by three strokes.

After the first round, he was three strokes behind first-round leader Dan Young of Bellevue Country Club, who fired 4-under 67 on Tuesday.

“It’s a different mindset when you’re coming from behind instead of the same at the start,” he mentioned of the difference between last year and this year. “Going into today I obviously knew the course pretty well. I knew where I could make some moves to gain some shots being three shots back.”

Olearczyk posted another good number (73) in the second round, while Young posted an 80 to fall into third place.

Olearczyk eagled #18 in round one to tie for the lead and closed it out with a second round 74.

OLEARCZYK WINS SUB-JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

Jacob Olearczyk

2022 CHAMPIONSHIP

“Me and Dan are pretty close, we play in a lot of tournaments together. I knew Dan was going to hold his own, and he did for the most part,” said 14-year-old Olearczyk who plays in many of the junior events in Central NY.

Michael Clifford-Levy of East Hampton Golf Club was the runner-up at 3-over 145.

“I hit a lot of fairways this week especially today, I was putting myself in good positions off the tee so I think that really helped,” said Clifford-Levy. “I didn’t think I was going to because I was six back entering the day, and just tried to post a good score and not look at the leaderboard. I was really happy to figure out after the round that I’m the runner-up.”

Young finished at 147. Cole Jones of East Aurora Country Club and Joey Bueme of Country Club of Buffalo tied for fourth at 150.

Olearczyk joins a group of five other individuals who have captured two consecutive 14U championships, including Will Thomson (2013-14), Alec Bard (2011-12), Gavin Hall (200809), Nick Park (2001-02) and Tommy Nixon (1984-85).

“I’ve been there before, knowing that I’m going home with the trophy hasn’t fully set in yet but the car ride home it definitely will,” said the two-time champion.

Michael Clifford-Levy

Dan Young

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