2023 NYS Men's Amateur & Senior Amateur Four-Ball Championship Program

2023 NEW YORK STATE

MEN’S AMATEUR & SENIOR AMATEUR

FOUR-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Turning Stone Resort and Casino - Verona, New York

May 21 - 22, 2023

CONDUCTED BY THE

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Please support our Sponsors! Their support of the NYSGA and golf community, helps us to strengthen our services, member benefits and tournament experiences.

NYSGA Staff 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

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

Damian Rodriguez

USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Intern

Alexander King

USGA P.J. Boatywright, Jr. Intern

Christina Van Allen

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

On behalf of the entire New York State Golf Association, welcome to the 12th New York State Men’s Amateur & Senior Amateur Four-Ball Championships!

The NYSGA is pleased to join with the leadership and staff at Turning Stone Resort & Casino to provide a memorable challenge in crowning New York State’s top men’s amateur four-ball teams.

We are proud to host this year’s tournament at these award-winning golf courses at Turning Stone. We certainly anticipate an exciting and memorable competition over the next two days, and the golf courses 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, resort and pro shop staff, and especially the course grounds crews, whose combined efforts have provided us with these wonderful championship golf courses.

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

TURNING STONE GOLF COURSES

KALUHYAT GOLF COURSE

Measuring in at just over 7,100 yards, this Robert Trent Jones, Jr. course is ranked as a Top Casino Course by Golfweek. Kaluhyat (the Oneida word for ‘the other side of the sky’) is marked by dramatic changes in elevation, measuring as high as 50 feet in some areas, with plateau settings offering seemingly endless, spectacular views of the surrounding terrain. Six lakes throughout the course add to the picturesque setting. Kaluhyat is a classic shot-maker’s course, where accuracy and strategy are rewarded as much as length. Kaluhyat Golf Course previously hosted the 2015 NYS Men’s Amateur Championship, won by Trevor Sluman of Rochester.

SHENENDOAH GOLF COURSE

Shenendoah offers 18 holes of PGA-level golf in a spectacular natural setting. The course was built and is maintained to comply with stringent Audubon International standards for environmental protection and preservation. Designer Rick Smith used the natural landscape to create wooded parkland holes, open pastures that capture the links feel, and beautifully simple low country-style holes. Designed, constructed and maintained to TOUR standards at more than 7,000 yards, the course offers conditions normally reserved for TOUR professionals. In 2006, Turning Stone Resort Casino’s Shenendoah was host of the PGA National Club Professional Championship.

Shenendoah GC at Turning Stone Resort

Kaluhyat GC at Turning Stone Resort

HOLE NO. 1

KALUHYAT

PAR 5 I A Sky Journey Begins

SHENENDOAH

PAR 4 I Sugar Maple

HOLE NO. 2

KALUHYAT

PAR 4 I Just Believe

SHENENDOAH

PAR 4 I Little Bluestem

HOLE NO. 3

KALUHYAT

PAR 4 I Hidden Challenges

SHENENDOAH

PAR 3 I White Ash

HOLE NO. 4

KALUHYAT

PAR 4 I At Wood’s Edge

SHENENDOAH

PAR 5 I Fox Den

HOLE NO. 5

KALUHYAT PAR 3 I Among the Forest

SHENENDOAH

PAR 4 I Hard Fescue

HOLE NO. 6

KALUHYAT PAR 5 I Challenge of Courage

SHENENDOAH PAR 4 I Black Willow

HOLE NO. 7

KALUHYAT PAR 4 I Meadow Spirit

SHENENDOAH

PAR 4 Marshland

HOLE NO. 8

KALUHYAT PAR 3 I Whispering Grasses

SHENENDOAH

PAR 5 I Deer Crossing

HOLE NO. 9

KALUHYAT

PAR 4 I Journey of Choice

SHENENDOAH

PAR 3 I Tamarack

HOLE NO. 10

KALUHYAT

PAR 4 I An Illusion

SHENENDOAH

PAR 5 I Flying Squirrel

HOLE NO. 11

KALUHYAT

PAR 5 I Uncertain Passage

SHENENDOAH

PAR 4 I Black Ash

HOLE NO. 12

KALUHYAT

PAR 4 I Straight & Narrow

SHENENDOAH

PAR 3 I Pond View

HOLE NO. 13

KALUHYAT

PAR 5 I Big Water

SHENENDOAH

PAR 4 I White Pine

HOLE NO. 14

KALUHYAT

PAR 4 I Hidden Truth

SHENENDOAH

PAR 3 I Snapping Turtle Passage

HOLE NO. 15

KALUHYAT

PAR 3 I Peaceful Glen

SHENENDOAH

PAR 4 I Raccoon Den

HOLE NO. 16

KALUHYAT

PAR 4 I Edge of the Sky

SHENENDOAH

PAR 4 I Red Maple

HOLE NO. 17

KALUHYAT

PAR 3 I Turtle Den

SHENENDOAH

PAR 4 I Whitetail Deer

HOLE NO. 18

KALUHYAT

PAR 4 I Journey’s End

SHENENDOAH

PAR 5 I Apple Orchard

The 14th hole at Kaluhyat Golf Course at Turning Stone Resort & Casino.

Past

PAST CHAMPIONS

Champions of the New York State Men’s Amateur & Senior Amateur Four-Ball Championships

Year Host Club Men’s Division

2011 Ravenwood GC Jim Scorse, Churchville & J.P. Kircher, Pittsford

2012 Ravenwood GC Jim Scorse, Churchville & J.P. Kircher, Pittsford

2013 Leatherstocking GC Matt Stasiak, Clarence & Jonathan Clark, Orchard Park

2014 Leatherstocking GC John Kircher, Pittsford & Michael Mercier, Rochester

2015 Leatherstocking GC Jamie Miller, Orchard Park & Billy Hanes, Elma

2016 Leatherstocking GC Bill Gaffney, Williamsville & Jeff Wolniewicz, West Seneca

2017 Leatherstocking GC Jeff Wolniewicz, West Seneca & Jonathan Clark, Orchard Park

2018 Leatherstocking GC Billy Hanes, East Aurora & David Hanes, East Aurora

2019 Leatherstocking GC Nick Dilio, Hopewell Junction & Ryan Gabel, Beacon

2020 Suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic

2021 Leatherstocking GC Michael Dwyer, Scotia & Michael Stopera, Halfmoon

2022 Leatherstocking GC Carl Schimenti, Ithaca & Andrew Turker, Ithaca

PLAYER INFORMATION

Entries

Men’s Senior Division

No championship

Mark Dugan, Pittsford & Tom Blank, Pittsford

Bob Chalanick, Victor & Mark Battle, Honeyoye Falls

Paul Hart, Slingerlands & Kevin Broderick, Guilderland

Steve Nosonowitz, Pleasant Valley & Stew Blake, Port Ewen

Matt Clarke, Loudonville & Bob Rosen, East Amherst

Bob Branham, Norwich & Kevin Webb, Bloomfield

Tom Blank, Rochester & Mark Dugan, Rochester

Ken Ogden, Canandaigua & Wade Sarkis, Canandaigua

Mark Battle, Honeyoye Falls & Chris Sorci, Victor

Matt Clarke, Loudonville & Bob Rosen, Williamsville

These Championship are teams consisting of two male amateur golfers who are members of the NYSGA, defined as (1) belonging to an NYSGA member club or (2) as a 2023 NYSGA eClub member (NYS residency required). Players must have an active USGA Handicap Index issued through a licensed golf club.

Format

These Championships will be conducted over 36 holes of four-ball stroke play. There will be a net and gross winner in each division.

Divisions

There are three divisions in this Championship: the 12th NYS Men’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship (all ages), the 11th NYS Men’s Senior Amateur Championship (ages 55+), and the 1st NYS Men’s Super-Senior Amateur Four-Ball Championships.

Ties

The team in each Championship with the lowest score for 36 holes will be the champion. In the event of a tie in the Championship, a sudden-death playoff will be held immediately following play.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, May 20 // Practice Rounds

Sunday, May 21 // Round 1, Shotgun start at 1:30pm

Monday, May 22 // Round 2, Shotgun start at 8:30am

Coverage

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

The Cornell University duo edged Rochester duo Yaroslav Merkulov (Ridgemont CC) and Shane Dobesh (Locust Hill CC) in a playoff to win the two-person championship. They started the day tied for the lead and never looked back and found themslves in a playoff for the championship

The side took care of the scoreable par 5s on the classic Devereux Emmet design, with an eagle on No. 11 on day one and were able to make 12 birdies the weekend. They made a clutch birdie on the par-5 18th over Otsego lake, and with that putt, were able to force a playoff, which they eventually won.

“I am a little nervy when it comes to putting,” Turker said. “My main thought was just to be smooth with it. We picked out a line and I was just trying to start it on that line and hopefully get it to the hole.”

Carl Schimenti and Andrew Turker (Cornell University GC) sank a birdie putt in the 2nd playoff hole to win the 11th NYS Men’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship at Leatherstocking Golf Course.

Carl Schimenti & Andrew Turker won the 11th New York State Men’s Amateur Four-Ball title at Leatherstocking

SCHIMENTI AND TURKER WIN WITH BIRDIE ON 2ND PLAYOFF HOLE

Andrew Turker & Carl Schimenti

2022 CHAMPIONSHIP

Both teams converted birdies on the first playoff hole, which was the par-5 eighteenth. Merkulov narrowly missed a short putt for eagle, and Turker was able to get up and down to force a second playoff hole.

On the short par-4 sixth, Schimenti and Turker both found the green in two, while both Dobesh and Merkulov’s approach shots rolled just off the back. Turker would go on to make a 20-foot birdie putt to seal the victory.

It marked the first NYS Tournament for the duo, but Schimenti won the 2021 NYS Mid-Amateur Championship, making this his second consecutive NYSGA trophy.

Dobesh and Merkulov shot one of the tournament low rounds on Monday to force the playoff. They scored a 9-under 63 in round two, along with Joseph Fitzsimmons (Shaker Ridge CC) and Benjamin Bates (NYSGA eClub - Capital District).

Two teams finished tied for third at 11-under 133, Erik Stauderman (Links of Union Vale) and 2016 NYS Boys’ Junior champion Christian Chapman (Cobblestone Creek CC) along with 2018 champions Billy and David Hanes (Crag Burn GC). The Hanes brothers improved on their opening round score, shooting 7-under 65 in the second round. Chapman and Stauderman posted a solid 5-under 67.

The victory earned Turker an exemption into the 2022 NYS Men’s Amateur at Onondaga Golf & Country Club in August, as well as the NYS Men’s Mid-Amateur at Seven Oaks Golf Club in September. Schimenti was already exempt for these championships after his Mid-Am win during the fall of 2021.

Shane Dobesh & Yaroslav Merkulov

Erik Stauderman & Christian Chapman

Joseph Fitzsimmons & Benjamin Bates

2022 CHAMPIONSHIP

The 10th NYS Men’s Senior Amateur saw past champions return to glory last May. 2016 winners Matt Clarke (Cazenovia CC) and Bob Rosen (CC of Buffalo) finished the tournament at 9-under 135 to win by two strokes.

Mark Battle (Ravenwood Golf Club) and Chris Sorci (NYSGA eClub –Rochester) outlasted the defending champions Ken Ogden (Oak Hill Country Club) and Wade Sarkis (Canandaigua Country Club) after Sorci made a par on the second playoff hole, the uphill par-4 second.

Clarke knocked down three eagles over the tournament including two during the second round. He eagled #4 during both the first and second round.

The pair scored a double bogey on the #17 during round one. Monday, they opened their round on the par-3 17th and saved par on the long intimi-

Matt Clarke and Bob Rosen won the 10th New York State Men’s Senior Amateur Four-Ball title

CLARKE AND ROSEN WIN SENIOR FOUR-BALL IN DOMINANT FASHION

Matt Clarke & Robert Rosen

2022 CHAMPIONSHIP

dating hole which requires a long carry over the edge of Otsego lake.

“We had dinner last night and I said can you believe we’re starting on 17,” Rosen said. “We took it as a positive and here we go, let’s get it out early.”

“I took two extra clubs and swung hard,” Clarke said. “Bobby hit a great shot on 17 today”.

2019 champions Wade Sarkis (Canandaigua CC) and Ken Ogden (Oak Hill CC) finished up in second place at 7-under 137. Ogden’s eagle on #15 proved to not be enough to push the pair to victory.

Bill Paulsen (Eagle Crest GC) and Jim Mueller (Orchard Creek GC) along with Brian Kumiega (CC of Buffalo) and Jeff Schauger (River Oaks GC) finished the tournament tied for third place at 6-under 138.

Two more teams finished in a tie for fifth place. Dan Ireland and Chris David (CC of Troy) along with 2021 champions Mark Battle (Ravenwood GC) and Chris Sorci (RDGA eClub) wrapped up their tournaments at 5-under 139.

Sunday’s leaders, Kevin Webb (Clifton Springs CC) and Robert Branham (Canasawacta CC) shot even par on Monday to fall to seventh place.

Wade Sarkis & Ken Ogden

Robert Branham & Kevin Webb

Jeff Schauger & Brian Kumiega

We’d like to recognize our partner regional associations for the exceptional work they do in promoting the game of golf.

AMATEUR GOLF ASSOCIATIONS

PGA SECTIONS

Rochester

Syracuse

Buffalo

Metropolitan

Westchester Long Island

United States

Triple Cities

Captial District

VISIT NYSGA.ORG/FOUNDATION

JOIN THE NYSGA FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Since its founding in 2003, the NYSGA Foundation has impacted thousands of people through golf related programs such as scholarships, junior golf programs, supporting local first tee chapters, free USGA GHIN Handicaps for juniors, recognizing the top contributors through the NYSGA Hall of Fame, and much more. The Foundation is a 501c(3) and all donations made to support these amazing programs are tax deductible.

ESTABLISHED IN 2012 HALL OF FAME

The NYSGA Hall of Fame’s mission is to identify, recognize, and enshrine the state's finest amateur and professional golf competitors, as well as those who have made outstanding contributions to the game throughout New York by their careers as golf teachers, coaches, mentors, and volunteers to the game.

NYSGA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

FUNDING SCHOLARSHIPS SINCE 1967

The NYSGA Scholarship Fund annually awards $30,000 to deserving students, with over $500,000 given since 1967. Eligible students must be in their second year of employment at an NYSGA member club, be in good academic standing, and demonstrate a financial need. The Foundation’s goal is to increase the amount raised in order to give out more awards through the NYSGA Foundation Membership Program.

FOUNDATION MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

FOUNDED IN 2021

The money raised via the NYSGA Foundation Membership Program directly funds college scholarships for NYSGA member club employees. Supporters of the fund come from participating clubs and individual members across the state. Donations of $100 or more will be recognized on the NYSGA website, “Supporters of the Fund”.

YOUTH ON COURSE

PROVIDING AFFORDABLE GOLF TO JUNIORS

Youth on Course is a junior golf membership for boys and girls 6-18 to play participating courses for just $5.. Founded by the Northern California Golf Association in 2006, it is now offered in all 50 states, with over 70,000 members, 950,000 subsidized rounds of golf, and 15 million holes played. The NYSGA currently partners with 13 courses and has 60 junior members. Youth on Course promotes the game to today’s youth, allowing them to build strong long lasting relationships and instilling core values.