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.