2021 NYS Men's Amateur Championship Program by NYSGA

98TH NYS MEN’S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

S o u v e n i r P r o g ra m

To all the tremendously skilled golfers To all the tremendously skilled participating in this year’s New York State golfers participating in this year’s New York State Men’s Amateur Men’s Amateur Championship, we at Championship, we at Marvin and Marvin and Company would like to wish Company would like to wish you the you the best of luck. best of luck. A fun fact – the first NYS Men’s Amateur A fun fact - the first NYS Men’s Championship was held in 1923, which is Amateur Championship was held in 1923, the same year Charles L. Marvin founded which is the same year Charles L. Marvin and Company in Schenectady, NY. Marvin founded Marvin and Company in Schenectady, NY.

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CONTENTS Welcome to the 98th New York State Men’s Amateur Championship at Schuyler Meadows Club

New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 3

WELCOME

WELCOME LETRONALD LANZETTA President, TER 2 Schuyler Meadows Club Welcome! We are honored to have been chosen to host the 98th New York State Men’s Amateur Championship here at Schuyler Meadows Club. This is the second time we have been selected to host this prestigious event and we couldn’t be more proud. Our original course was designed by Deveraux Emmet and completed in 1927. Golf has remained our most popular activity for the past 95 years. The course evolved over the years and had lost many of its original characteristics and personality. Over the past 15 years, we have been hard at work, guided by architect Bruce Hepner, implementing The Hanse Master Plan which restores much of the course’s original integrity. I believe all of the competitors will find the course challenging yet fair. Lastly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the entire membership, staff, and volunteers for their enthusiastic support. Special thanks to our Green Chair- John Puig, Golf Course Superintendant- Jeff Joedicke, General Manager- Michael Rezey, PGA Professional- Steve Jensen, and David Hayes who accepted the mantle of event coordinator. Sincerely, Ronald Lanzetta, President Schuyler Meadows Club

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The Schuyler Meadows Board of Governors Welcomes the NYS Men’s Amateur Championship

New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 5

WELCOME

WELCOME LETJOSEPH TER 1 ENRIGHT President, NYSGA

I am honored to welcome you to the 98th playing of the New York State Men‘s Amateur Championship hosted this year by the members and staff of Loudonville’s historic Schuyler Meadows Club, which was founded in 1926. We expect this spectacular Devereaux Emmet design, enhanced and modernized by Gil Hanse, to provide a rigorous challenge to the finest amateur men players in New York State, and to combine that with unparalleled amenities which should combine to provide a memorable event for all participants. This past year and a half have arguably provided the most difficult set of circumstances that NYSGA has ever faced in providing tournaments at the New York State Championship level. While conditions are slowly returning to normal, the precautions necessitated during the Covid-19 pandemic have required all participants, including NYSGA volunteers and staff, the players, the staff of the host club, and spectators, to exercise caution and follow common sense guidelines established to enable us to protect the health of all participants. Hopefully, we can now focus on allowing the players to test their skills against this challenging golf course in order to determine the winner of the 98th Ganson Depew Cup. I would like to thank all of our dedicated volunteers and staff who work so hard to provide a premier tournament experience of the highest level. I especially thank the members, Governors, and staff of Schuyler Meadows Club who have so generously provided this outstanding venue for this year’s competition and whose efforts on behalf of the players to provide the finest conditions for competition possible are what make this competition possible. I wish all of the players the best of luck in your play, and hopefully, your years of practice and competition will pay off for you in being named the New York State Men’s Amateur Champion for 2021. Joseph Enright, President New York State Golf Association

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NYSGA COMMITTEE & STAFF NYSGA Executive Committee

NYSGA Officers President Joseph Enright, Lancaster CC 1st Vice President Henry Fust, Onondaga G&CC 2nd Vice President Jamie Miller, Crag Burn GC Treasurer Robert Smith, Highland Park GC General Counsel Peter Jones, Drumlins CC Secretary Iris Stanek, Lancaster CC

Shawn Baker, Oak Hill CC Lee Bearsch, Binghamton CC John Cooney, Burden Lake CC Ryan Gabel, Trump National - HV Jim Gifford, Mohawk GC Lawrence Lessing, The Creek Christy Schultz, Oak Hill CC Frank Suits, Cortland CC Doug Vergith, Chautauqua GC Rich Weber, Brookfield CC Brian Williams, Winged Foot CC Warren Winslow, Western Turnpike GC

NYSGA Staff Bill Moore Executive Director

Jack Travers Manager of Competitions

Jack Margaros Communications Intern

Andrew Hickey Assistant Executive Director

Mark Ackley Manager of Course Rating

Dan Mort USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Intern

Dan Thompson Director of Marketing and Partnerships

Kara Cushman Foundation Manager

Michael Dirkes USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr. Intern

Deb Spilman Office Manager

NYSGA Committee Members Tom Andrews Michael Aquino Fred Arliss Larry Arliss Norm Amyot Christine Badger Ray Badger John Barry John Bartholomew Lee Bearsch David Beattie Al Belair Marci Bevilacqua Doreen Biviano John Blain Vincent Bonvino Chris Boynton Timothy Brady Robert Branham Dave Braunscheidel Daniel Bronchetti Gene Bullis John Bullis John Burns Thomas Buonocore Ron Case Sue Chambers Michael Chianelli Cory Ciambella Brian Clark Matt Clarke James Coleman Andrew Conway James Cook

John Cooney Glenn Coons Thomas Cotter George Cretekos Jerry Danielski John Davis Garrett Davitt Dick Desorbo Gerry Dewolf Todd Dischinger Renato Donato Michael Donnelly Patrick Donaghue Dick Dorgan Michael Drennen Georgia Dusckas Tom Eckert John Ernst Ed Evans Vie Evans Michael Fitzgerald Mark Fitzgerald Mary Beth Fiore Georgette Folley Bob Forward Tim Frank Adrian Forzani John Gaffney Tom Gallagher Dick Galvin Bill Geider John Grajko Walter Grajko Brad Griffin

Tom Hahn Greg Harden David Hayes Joe Hazard Sherry Heath Patrick Henry Jeff Holmes Braden Houston Marge Hubbell John Hudacs Al Huggard Don Hurley Eric Ingalls Thomas Inkpen John Kaeselau Bill Kaminski Robert Kawa Tim Kayes Stephen Keeler Mary Ann Keeler David Kokes Edward Koslick John Kulesa Nan Lanahan Tom Lanahan Rod Lindstrom Bill Loehr Janis Luce Ron Mack Kevin Mahoney Shari Mantini Susan Marsh Robert Martin Ron Mason

Pat Mayne Jim McConnell Pat Mckenna James McKillip Thomas McGibbon Richard Meath Jim Meyers Gene Meyle Ginny Meyle Bill Moore, Sr. Bill Moreland Gregory Moreland Albert Mowery Jim Murrett Jack Mulvey Arthur Munson Tim Murphy Richard North Tom Owen Shelly Pargh Brandon Payne Rocco Palmieri Joe Pucello Richard Prestopnik John Quijano Nick Raasch Bob Raimo John Raunick John Reagan Tom Reidy Joseph Riccio Robert Rosen James Roff Sean Rotella

Tony Scarpello Chris Schmidt Tim Schum Dan Scott Martin Siefka Bob Simms Sue Sims David Smith Robert Smith John Sniezyk Ron Socash Don Sommerville Jerry Stahl Edward Stanek Sarah Stein Al Stockholm Nancy Stockholm Wayne Stoughton Peter Stoj Joe Szyikowski Thelma Taylor John Urtz David Vaneenenaam Gale Warren Mona Wasserman Michael Walczak Steve Wilber Rich Weber John Wheeler Bryan Whooten Richard Wilson Doug Young

New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 7

Schuyler Meadows Clubhouse - 1929

Schuyler Meadows Club was the vision of a small group of gentlemen of means who, in 1926, acquired the Hartman Farm in Loudonville, a quiet country hamlet away from the busy state capital. The club’s iconic falcon logo stems from one of the original overseers of the old farm and the new enterprise. Schuyler Meadows Club was founded on the principle that the pursuit of sport was beneficial for families and friends who regarded sportsmanship as an excellent medium for responsible social conduct. These are the principles that permeate every SMC sporting event and make the 2021 New York State Men’s Amateur Championship and Schuyler Meadows an excellent fit. The Schuyler Meadows Club golf 8 | New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

experience is best personified by two of the club’s truly unforgettable personalities. Dr. Richard T. Beebe was an avid golfer as well as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medicine at the Albany Medical College. He had a remarkable relationship with his patients and students and a deep and abiding love for sports. Dr. Henry Hun was one of the earliest members of Pine Valley Golf Club and a longstanding member of the Albany community as well as Schuyler Meadows. Upon his return from the war, he was asked to preside at Schuyler Meadows where he served as President from 1946 to 1964. He shaped the club, the course and the amenities. He generously contributed to not only the governance and management but is responsible for much of the tradi-

Dr. Richard T. Beebe (right)

tion that characterizes the club we know today. Dr. Hun’s memorial plaque oversees the course east of the 12th tee. Construction of the clubhouse commenced in 1926 under the collaborative supervision of renowned Albany architect J. Worthington Palmer and historic Albany construction contractor John B. Waldbilig. Palmer’s clubhouse vision resembled the center portion of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. The building proudly features the recently renovated colonnade and patio overlooking the first hole. The clubhouse remained substantially

unchanged until 1985 when the membership approved the sale of a section of land, east of the golf course, to private developers. Proceeds from the sale were used to rebuild the club’s infrastructure, kitchen, air-conditioning and heating systems and allowed the addition of the grillroom, known as the McCahill Room named after the presiding president and longtime member. These changes marked the transition from the traditional era and transformed Schuyler Meadows into

New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 9

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21-AY-01807 (07/21)

SCHUYLER MEADOWS CLUB a more accommodating restaurant-bar operation. The days of song, light-fare vittles, ample grog, memorable dice encounters and sociability amidst a quirky setting has gradually given some ground but remains at the core of the club. The founders retained the services of prolific golf course architect Devereaux Emmet to design the 18-hole golf course. Emmet’s most famous course designs are the Blue and Gold Courses at Congressional Country Club in Washington D.C and the Garden City Golf Club in Garden City on Long Island in New York. In the face of the game’s new technology, Schuyler Meadows saw fit to modernize the golf course and ultimately retained the services of Gil Hanse. He developed a Master Plan intended to modernize the course while preserving as much of the integrity of the original Emmet design as possible. The plan lay dormant until former Green chairman David Hayes spearheaded the effort to undergo a tree management program and comprehensive bunker renovation in 2010. Architect Bruce Hepner oversaw the project along with Kye Goalby, who did much of the shaping. Subsequent work continued in 2015 under the continued guidance of Hepner along with Green chairs Bob Peck and the current chair John Puig. The project included a new short game practice facility, new practice putting green 1st tee complex, improved Billy bunkers, drainage, green ex-

Deveraux Emmet

pansions, fairway expansions, and the leveling and expansion of numerous tees. Current Schuyler Meadows President, Ronald Lanzetta, working in concert with Director of Golf and PGA Professional Steve Jensen, has continued a tradition of offering innovative events throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Jensen has achieved an enviable record with the club’s junior boys and girl’s golf programs, bringing these programs into the 21st century. Schuyler Meadows has provided ample venues for healthy participation in other sports. The old skeet-shooting house, which rests off the second and

21)

New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 11

An entrant in an early tournament tees off at the Schuyler Meadows Club.

Competitors, guests and officials at an early tournament at the Schuyler Meadows Club.

ninth tees, was constructed in 1930 with funds volunteered by a small group of members wishing to fill their weekend afternoons with shooting. At one time, a brave caddy, who still makes the rounds at SMC, shared pulling duties behind the log barrier where clay shells were discharged. Beverages were run from the clubhouse to warm the chill of the winter afternoon that occasionally lingered into the early evening. With the addi12 | New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

tion of the first paddle courts, interest in skeet shooting waned but memories of roaring fires, wonderful song, generous portions and camaraderie still linger. Schuyler Meadows has a long history of outstanding men and women’s tennis. Long regarded as the bedrock of Albany racquet sports, the tennis program was active and inspiring for children and adults. In one glorious year, Texan Cliff Richey, father of Cliff and Nancy Richey, both nationally ranked players and Cliff a member of The U.S. Davis Cup team, agreed to teach at SMC

Edmund Driggs (right) with Charles Blair Macdonald.

while they prepared on the clay courts for the US Open at Forrest Hills. Seeded eighth in the world, Nancy lost to top seed Maria Bueno of Brazil in the quarterfinals. In the 60’s, a club member donated two wooden paddle courts. Skeet shooting came to a fairly abrupt halt and the club developed a coterie of lively players that kept the club active in the winter. The popularity of the sport induced Paddle Chairman Charles Foresman to raise contributions to construct the three aluminum, heated courts and hut that reside behind the ninth green.

Over several seasons, the level of play improved immeasurably. In one remarkable season, Charles Poe and Tom Houlihan won the prestigious national President’s Cup and followed their five wins against the top seeds from other regions with a 6-0 run through the 132-team draw to claim the national championship and world’s top ranking. The August 2021 New York State Men’s Amateur Championship will be a welcome addition and another chapter in our unique history. New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 13

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NYS MENS’ AMATEUR PAST CHAMPIONS

MENS’ AMATEUR RECORD BOOK

1923 - Garden City CC Edmund Driggs Jr. 1924 - Orchard Park GC Lee Chase 1925 - Lido CC Jack Mackie Jr. 1926 - McGregor Links CC Al Brodbeck 1927 - Oak Hill CC Arthur Yates 1928 - Biltmore CC (West) George Dawson 1929 - Mohawk CC Maurice McCarthy

Ray Billows

1930 - Lakeville CC Jack Mackie Jr. 1931 - Oak Hill CC Phil Perkins 1932 - Niagara Falls CC Tommy Goodwin 1933 - Garden City CC Edmund Driggs Jr. 1934 - Sagamore GC Edmund Driggs Jr. 1935 - Winged Foot (West) Ray Billows 1936 - Bellevue GC Tommy Goodwin 1937 - Oak Hill CC Ray Billows 1938 - Oak Ridge GC Willie Turnesa

7 6 4 3

Ray Billows (1935, 1937, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1945, 1949)

Donald Allen (1961, 1963, 1964, 1970, 1972, 1973)

Tommy Goodwin (1932, 1936, 1946, 1953) Edmund Driggs (1923, 1933, 1934) John Konsek (1958, 1959, 1960) William Tryon (1962, 1965, 1968) Billy Shields (1951, 1952, 1955)

1939 - Siwanoy CC Richard Chapman 16 | New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

1940 - Onandaga G & CC Ray Billows

MENS’ AMATEUR RECORD BOOK

1941 - CC of Troy Ray Billows 1942 - Niagra Falls CC Alex Stevenson

13 & 12 13 & 11

Kevin Haefner (2001)

11 & 10

Dirk Ayers (1995)

Joe Ruszas (1944)

*During match play era

1943 - Lake Placid Club Ray Billows 1944 - Lake Placid Club Joe Ruszas 1945 - Oak Hill CC Ray Billows 1946 - Yahnundasis GC Tommy Goodwin 1947 - Westchester CC Richard Mayer 1948 - Brookfield CC Sam Urzetta 1949 - Syracuse Yacht & CC Ray Billows 1950 - Binghamton CC Mike Dudik 1951 - Knollwood CC Billy Shields

Joe Gagliardi

1952 - Wolfert’s Roost CC Billy Shields 1953 - Yahnundasis GC Tommy Goodwin

39 HOLES

Ray Billows def. Johnny Ward (1949)

1954 - Fairview CC Robert Monk 1955 - Moon Brook CC Billy Shields 1956 - Dutchess G&CC Joe Gagliardi

New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 17

1957 - Elmira CC Jack Veghte

MENS’ AMATEUR RECORD BOOK

1958 - Yahnundasis GC John Konsek 1959 - CC of Troy John Konsek 1960 - Locust Hill CC John Konsek 1961 - Onondaga G&CC Don Allen 1962 - Glen Falls CC William Tryon 1963 - Knollwood CC Don Allen

Nick Raasch

1964 - Leatherstocking GC Don Allen 1965 - Lancaster CC William Tryon 1966 - The Concord Course Nick Raasch 1967 - Nassau CC John Baldwin 1968 - Yahnundasis GC William Tryon 1969 - Elmira CC Terry Diehl

17 17 17

Nick Raasch (1966) Yaroslav Merkulov (2009) Will Thomson (2018)

1970 - Locust Hil CC Don Allen 1971 - Calvary Club Mike Slipko 1972 - Dutchess G&CC Don Allen

18 | New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

Joe Gagliardi (1956)

1973 - The Concord Course Don Allen

MENS’ AMATEUR RECORD BOOK

1974 - Wayne Hills CC George Burns 1975 - Bellevue CC Alan Foster 1976 - Grossinger’s CC Radford Yaun

298 (+10)

Donald Allen (1973) *72 holes

1977 - Albany CC Rich Serian 1978 - Moon Brook CC Jeff Sluman 1979 - Drumlins CC (East) Mark Balen 1980 - Vestal Hills CC Joey Sindelar

277 (-11) 280 (-9)

Dominic Bozzelli (2012) *72 holes

Joey Sindelar (1980)

1981 - Wanakah CC James Roy 1982 - McGregor Links CC David Boeff 1983 - Elmira CC William Boland Jr.

*72 holes

1984 - CC of Troy George Zahringer 1985 - Ridgemont CC Christopher Lane

66, 67

Jeff Sluman (1978)

66, 67

Jeffrey Peck (1992)

1986 - Knollwood CC Jay Gunning 1987 - Oak Hill CC (East) Tim Straub 1988 - Yahnundasis GC Tim Straub

New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 19

1989 - Vestal Hills CC Tim Marsh

MENS’ AMATEUR RECORD BOOK

1990 - Albany CC Joe Wilson 1991 - Brook-Lea CC Leonard Lasinsky 1992 - Drumlins CC (East) Todd Dischinger 1993 - Seven Oaks GC Jeffery Peck 1994 - Cobblestone Creek CC David Bonacchi

Donald Allen

1995 - Moon Brook CC Dirk Ayers 1996 - Links at Hiawatha GC Michael Valicenti 1997 - Dutchess G&CC Greg Rohlf 1998 - Pinehaven CC Bryan Smith 1999 - Wanakah CC John Gaffney

2 2 2

Donald Allen (1965, 1967) Ray Billows (1938, 1949) Sam Urzetta (1951, 1953)

2000 - Monroe GC Michael Valicenti 2001 - Seven Oaks GC Kevin Haefner 2002 - Transit Valley CC Kyle Hess 2003 - Ravenwood GC Kyle Hess 2004 - Wiltwyck GC Matt Thomas 20 | New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

Will Thomson, 2018

2005 - Ontario GC James Scorse

MENS’ AMATEUR RECORD BOOK

2006 - CC of Troy Andrew DeBitetto 2007 - Yahnundasis GC John Duthie 2008 - Pinehaven CC Jeff Wolniewicz 2009 - Ravenwood GC Yaroslav Merkulov 2010 - Albany CC Doug Kleeschulte

Sam Urzetta

2011 - Oak Hill CC (West) Dominic Bozzelli 2012 - Elmira CC Dominic Bozzelli 2013 - Schuyler Meadows Matt Stasiak

3 2

Donald Allen (1965, 1966, 1967)

2014 - Bellevue CC Luke Feehan

Ray Billows (1939, 1940)

2015 - Kaluhyat GC Trevor Sluman 2016 - Mohawk GC Tyler McArdell 2017 - Bethpage Black Adam Condello 2018 - Irondequoit CC Will Thomson 2019 - Crag Burn GC Ben Reichert

Dominic Bozzelli, 2012

2020 - Suspended COVID-19 Pandemic New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 21

22 | New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

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Ray Billows, whose seven NYS Men’s Amateur titles is the most in the tournament’s 98-year history. New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 25

Matt Stasiak 2013 Men’s Amateur Champion, held at Schuyler Meadows

The New York State Golf Association’s first responsibility, upon its formation in 1923, was to conduct NYS Men’s Amateur Championship. Previously it had been noted by Grantland Rice that New York was the only state in the 48 without a state golf association, and thus no governing body to administer the state’s amateur golf championship. Sherrill Sherman of Utica was voted the first president of the NYSGA at the Association’s first meeting at the Yahnundasis Golf Club and he quickly approved Garden City Golf Club’s request to host the inaugural playing of the NYS Men’s Amateur Championship. In the finals at Gar26 | New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

den City, Edmund Driggs of Cherry Valley Country Club defeated S. Clifton Mabon of Garden City Golf Club 8&7 in a 36-hole match to become the first champion. Since this first playing, the championship’s format has changed three times. From 1923 until 1969, the championship was decided by match play. In 1970, the decision was made to go to 72 holes of stroke play, until it was switched back to match play in 1992. But in 2009 the format was once again changed to 72 holes of stroke play, as it remains today. The number of participants who have attempted to qualify has in-

creased immensely as golf’s popularity has grown. In 1923, 61 entries were fielded at Garden City as compared to 1992, when a record of 726 golfers registered to qualify to compete in the championship at Drumlins Country Club. Throughout the years the NYSGA has been fortunate to witness the transformation of many amateur golfers from great players into champions. Included below you will find a brief description of some of these golfers whose wins in this championship have propelled them on to fruitful careers in the game of golf. In 1935, a young Ray Billows of

Poughkeepsie won in his debut Winged Foot Golf Club’s West Course. Billows’ was a true ‘rags to riches’ Cinderella story in golf. At the time he was 21 and worked as a printing clerk making $17 a week. He arrived at Winged Foot in a $7 car, slept on the clubhouse porch to save money for a caddie, and ended up winning over one of the greatest fields in state golf history. Billows went on to have a terrific amateur golfing career, winning a record seven NYS Men’s Amateur Championship titles, getting to the U.S. Amateur Championship finals three times, and representing the U.S. in the Walker Cup matches at St. Andrews in 1938 and at Winged Foot in 1949. New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 27

Another past champion who would make a name for himself in the amateur circuit was Rochester’s Don Allen. The former Colgate University golf captain defeated the defending champion John Konsek in 1961 at Onondaga G&CC to claim the first of his six titles. This first win was very meaningful to Allen, since he considered Konsek to be the most talented golfers he had ever seen. Allen would go on to represent the U.S. in two Walker Cup Matches, the first at Baltimore Country Club in 1965 and the second at Royal St. George’s Golf Club in 1967. The majority of the past champions would play as amateurs for the entirety of their careers, although a select few would turn to the professional ranks and find success. Sam Urzetta, another successful Rochester golfer, won the 1948 championship at Buffalo’s Brookfield Country Club. Urzetta would win the U.S. Amateur Championship title in 1950, where he defeated renowned amateur Frank Stranahan in 39 holes at the Minneapolis Golf Club. Urzetta, not interested in tour golf, became an assistant golf professional in 1954 and in 1956 joined CCR as their head golf professional, where he would remain for the next 37 years. 28 | New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

Joey Sindelar 1980 Men’s Amateur Champion

In 1978, a young golfer named Jeff Sluman won the state amateur by four strokes over Radford Yaun at Jamestown’s Moon Brook Country Club. Sluman turned professional in 1980 upon graduating from Florida State University, but wouldn’t find immediate success on the PGA Tour. At the age of 30 he won his first tournament, the 1988 PGA Championship at Oak Tree Golf Club in Edmond, Oklahoma. Sluman went on to win five PGA Tour

events from 1991-2001, and is now a enjoying a successful career on the PGA’s Champions Tour where he has won six times. Another prominent PGA Tour player, Joey Sindelar, would etch his name on the Ganson Depew Cup in 1980 with a record breaking performance at Vestal Hills Country Club in Binghamton. Sindelar, a collegiate All-American at Ohio

State University, fired a four-round total of 280 (8-under) to beat Jeff Sluman by seven strokes. This record four round total would stand until Dominic Bozzelli shot a blistering 277 (11-under) to claim his second title in 2012 at Elmira Country Club. Sindelar turned pro in 1980 and won the first of his seven PGA Tour events at the Greater Greensboro Open in 1985.

New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 29

CONDITIONS OF PLAY

The Field The field is comprised of approximately 144 players, including sectional qualifiers and exempt players. The field is cut after 36 holes of play to the low-40 players and ties.

Format and Ties The championship will be conducted in two stages, at stroke play: 1. Sectional qualifying - 18 holes. Required for all non-exempt players 2. Championship - 72 holes If a tie exists at the end of 72 holes, the champion will be determined by a hole-by-hole playoff.

Ganson Depew Cup The champion will be awarded possession of the Ganson Depew Cup for one year.

Players Exempt from Qualifying 1. Winners of the NYS Men’s Amateur Championship from the last 20 years. 2. From the 2019 NYS Men’s Amateur Championship, the 20 lowest scorers and anyone tied for 20th place. 3. Winners of the NYS Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship from the last 10 years. 4. From the 2019 NYS Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, the 10 lowest scorers and anyone tied for 10th place. 5. Winners of the 2019 and 2021 NYS Men’s Amateur Four-Ball Championships. 6. From the 2021 NYS Boys’ 18U Amateur Championship, the 5 lowest scorers and ties. 7. Winner of the 2021 NYS Boys 14U Amateur Championship. 8. From the 2019 NYS Men’s Senior Amateur Championship, the 5 lowest scorers and ties. 9. Most recent (as of August 6, 2019) winner or low amateur (*professional events) of the following regional championships: Apogee Investment Management Championship BDGA Buffalo District Individual Championship CCR Invitational CRAGA Capital Region Amateur Championship

30 | New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

Delaware County Amateur Championship Dutchess County Amateur Championship LIGA Individual Championship MGA Ike Championship MGA MET Amateur Championship MGA MET Open* NYC Amateur NYS Open* RDGA Rochester District Individual Championship SDGA Gerry Ashe Memorial TCGA Amateur Championship Ulster County Amateur Championship Watertown City Championship WGA Westchester Individual Championship

10. From the 2021 Monroe Invitational, the 20 lowest scorers and anyone tied for 20th place. 11. From the 2021 Porter Cup, the 20 lowest scorers and anyone tied for 20th place. 12. Players ranked in the top-3000 of the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR). 13. Players qualifying for most current (as of August 10, 2021) USGA Championships. 14. Host club exemptions. 15. Special exemptions as selected by the NYSGA.

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, August 9 9:00am.....................Practice facility open 9:00-4:00pm...........Registration 9:30-4:00pm........... Practice rounds 11:00-2:00pm..........Player lunch

Tuesday, August 10 6:00am.....................Practice facility open 6:30am......................Registration opens 7:30-9:30am.............Round 1 from tee #1 and #10 11:00-3:00pm..........Player lunch 12:30-2:30pm...........Round 1 from tee #1 and #10

Wednesday, August 11 6:00am.....................Practice facility open 6:30am......................Registration opens 7:30-9:30am.............Round 2 from tee #1 and #10 11:00-3:00pm..........Player lunch 12:30-2:30pm...........Round 2 from tee #1 and #10

Thursday, August 12 6:00am.....................Practice facility open 6:30am......................Registration opens 7:30-9:30am.............Round 3 from tee #1 and #10 11:00-3:00pm..........Player lunch 12:30-2:30pm...........Round 4 from tee #1 and #10 7:30pm......................Award ceremony

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2019 RECAP

REICHERT CAPTURES SECOND NYS TITLE AT CRAG BURN Ben Reichert of River Oaks Golf Club claimed the 97th New York State Men’s Amateur Championship by one stroke at Crag Burn Golf Club. Reichert carded a one-over 73 in the fourth and final round on Thursday evening to finish at four-over 292 and secure his second NYS championship. “It feels unbelievable,” Reichert said after the final day in 2019. “We looked at a four-shot lead at one point, and I made it a little harder on myself than I wish I would have. But, I was able to get it done and it’s all good now.”

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Prior to the Men’s Am, Reichert won the 2019 Florida State Amateur Championship in a sudden-death playoff. He felt that the tournament was good preparation for the Men’s Am. “One-hundred percent. I knew exactly what I’d be feeling coming down the stretch. I knew how to handle it. Trust is the biggest thing. Trust what you do, and you can’t really go wrong.” After the first day of play, Clinton Lange of Capital Hills at Albany held a one stroke lead. Lange converted five birdies en route to a one-under 71 finish.

2019 RECAP

As the day went on, the winds picked up around Crag Burn with storms hitting the surrounding cities. Clinton was part of the morning wave, essentially dodging the winds, making for advantageous conditions. “We had an overwhelming advantage,” Clinton said. “There wasn’t any wind until we got to our last four holes. It was really calm, and I had a bunch of birdie putts. We didn’t have this weather everyone else is starting to deal with.” Reichert did not take hold of the lead until after the second round, where he shared a one-stroke lead with Colin McGaugh of Seven Oaks Golf Club. Reichert and McGaugh sat at even par 144. Reichert, the 2015 NYS Boys’ Junior Champion, carded a 67 in round two, ten strokes better than his firstround score. His day two scorecard included five birdies and an eagle on 16, a 529-yard par 5. “I got off to a slow start today,” he said after his second round performance. “I was two-over through six. I pretty much played flawless golf from that point out. I think I maybe missed one fairway the rest of the way.” McGaugh also converted five birdies

Chris Blyth New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 35

2019 RECAP

Final Round of the 97th NYS Men’s Amateur Championship at Crag Burn Golf Club

during the second round. “I kept it in the fairway and that’s step one. My putting was really solid throughout the day. My wedge game was probably the best part of my game today. I feel really confident going into (the final rounds).” Reichert and Blyth each shot fourover 148 in the final two rounds. Inclement weather delayed play twice. Tony Hejna nearly made a comeback run at the end, shooting an even par 72 in his final round, but finished two strokes away from the title. 36 | New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

For the second year in a row, Chris Blyth of Mendon Golf Club finished as runner-up at five-over 293. “To come up a shot short again this year is disappointing, but I can’t be too upset with the way I played. It’s always a lot of fun playing in this tournament. Coming in second this year and last year is an honor and hopefully next year, I will do better,” Blyth said. Two Crag Burn players tied for third at six-over 294, including three-time NYS Champion Jamie Miller and Hej-

2019 RECAP

na, former NYS Sub-Junior Champion. “I think this place is fantastic,” Hejna said. “The course played great. I think it was a great event for the club and we were glad to host it.” Miller added, “I thought the course was awesome; it held up really well. We had all different types of weather so that was cool too, since we get that every day here.”

Piping Rock Club and Billy Hanes of Crag Burn finished T-6 at eight-over 296. Christian Chapman of Cobblestone Creek Country Club and Kyle Ritchie of Cherry Valley finished T-8 at twelve-over 300. James McHugh of Rye Golf Club finished with a total of 301 to earn tenth place. Defending champion, Will Thomson of Oak Hill Country Club, finished the 72-hole tournament at 305 (T-18).

Rounding out the top five was Adrian Norford of Willowbrook Golf Club at seven-over 295. Prescott Butler of

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1st Hole

Par 4 / 422 yards

he longer hitter has an edge off the first tee if they can carry their tee shot to the down slope in the fairway to get the maximum amount of roll. The opening tee shot will be over a cross bunker that frames the hole. The best spot to hit the tee shot is down the right side of the fairway. A fairway bunker on that left side will catch a shot that is off line to the left. The two fairway bunkers on the right will come into play for the longer hitters. Second shots will be with short to middle irons into the prevailing wind. The green has a false front that slopes toward the fairway. Greenside bunkers on both sides protect the green.

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2 Hole nd

Par 5 / 520 yards

ff the tee there are fairway bunkers left and right that are staggered. The fairway bunker on the left will catch a lot of tee shots. Out of bounds goes down the whole right side. The second shot will carry the dip in the fairway to a plateau that flows into the green. The aggressive second play will put you on the plateau fairway that is level with the green. A conservative second shot will make the third a blind shot to the green. The green is open in the front, allowing an approach shot to run up onto the green. A small greenside bunker left and a bunker long on the right protect the green.

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3rd Hole Par 4 / 426 yards

n ideal tee shot is down the left center for at look at the green for the second shot. An extremely well placed fairway bunker on the left side is on the corner of the dogleg. A tee shot veering right center will present a blind second shot over two elevated cross bunkers. The player will be hitting a short-to-mid iron into the green. Missing the green left will present a tough up and down. The expanded green runs from front to back.

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4 Hole th

Par 3 / 185 yards

ne of the best par 3’s around, an old throw back hole! The tee shot is all carry and the player will hit anything from short-iron to hybrid depending on the tee location. Distance control is paramount; a player must get the ball up to the hole without going long over the green and out of bounds. The player capable of hitting a high, soft-landing shot to the large green will have an advantage. The shot plays a full club more because of the elevation to the hole. A ball coming up short will roll down the slope above the fairway bunkers. If you get past the flagstick on this hole it’s very quick coming back down to the hole.

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5 Hole th

Par 5 / 515 yards

he target off the tee is inside of the grass mound on the right. A left-to-right movement off the tee is the best to avoid having the ball run through the fairway. There is out-of-bounds down the entire left side. A player will have to make a choice to go for the green in two or to lay-up. Laying up short of the two cross-bunkers would be the conservative play and will leave you a little over 100 yards to the green. Missing the green short will challenge your skills with the different slopes and tight lies. The green is well protected with bunkers left and right.

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6 Hole th

Par 4 / 418 yards

hough this hole appears innocent enough from the tee, there’s trouble around the green. The best tee shot is down the left side of the hole over the right side of the fairway bunker at the top of the hill. The trees down the right side will come into play off the tee. The player will be hitting a shortto-mid iron into the green. The challenge will be on the second shot, where three greenside bunkers surround the front of the green. The wonderful mounding around the sixth and eighth greens are trademarks of Devereux Emmet’s style. Missing short with the second shot leaves a tough up and down to save par.

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7 Hole th

Par 4 / 412 yards

ne of the best and hardest holes at Schuyler Meadows, the seventh is yet another risk/ reward hole that presents several options to the player. The fescue left and the bunker at the top of the hill are what you need to avoid. From the tee, longer hitters can rip driver down into the small but flat landing area. The ideal tee shot is down the right center where the fairway is the flattest. The creek goes along the right side of the fairway and then cuts in front of the green. The green has been expanded and a new short grass approach added on the right side to allow balls to chase onto the putting surface. It’s an exciting golf hole.

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8th Hole Par 4 / 380 yards

straightaway hole with no apparent trouble in sight, except for the very penalizing rough on both sides of the fairway. This hole is fairly short and will afford players several options to consider. Long and straight hitters may just launch their drivers, but a collection of four fairway bunkers protect the left side of the hole. The cluster of trees on the right side will cause some issues for players who can’t control their tee shot. A short iron or wedge will be the play into the green, which has a false front. This is the largest putting surface on the golf course, so finding the hole may be a challenge.

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9th Hole Par 4 / 413 yards

his hole has two different teeing areas, giving it two different looks off the tee. From the left tee you can see the fairway and the right tee is a blind shot. The best tee shot will be down the right center of the fairway, a fairway bunker will catch tee shots that drift too far left. The second shot will most likely be a short iron into a green complex that sits on top of a hill with a bunker on the left and a short grass approach. Second shots that are short or right will kick down the hill, making a poor shot even worse. Missing the green short, long, or right could be disastrous. The subtle breaks on this green will drive you crazy. New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 55

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10th Hole Par 4 / 310 yards

he tenth hole is a classic; a slight dogleg left that appears routine but is often quite difficult. A player that is feeling really aggressive can drive this green. A more conservative play is to the right center of the fairway. A lay up shot will have to contend with the bunkers off the tee and the right to left slope of the fairway. The second shot can be delicate with the side and downhill lies. The putting green has been expanded since 2013, with many new hole locations on what used to be one of the smallest greens on the course. New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 57

11 Hole th

Par 5 / 515 yards

nother hole with multiple tees, the 11th will either play as a straightforward tee shot with a fairly generous landing area from the right teeing ground or it will require a draw from the back teeing area near the tree line. There is out of bounds on the left side with trees and fescue on the right side. The second shot is over cross bunkers that give the illusion of being next to the green, but there is thirty yards of fairway between the bunkers and the green. Play the second shot a half club to a full club more up the hill to a beautiful plateau green. Avoid missing the green to the right as it drops off and grass mounds come into play. The putting surface on this hole is very tricky.

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12 Hole th

Par 3 / 170 yards

njoy the panoramic view and take a breath because the golf course gets tough starting here! The twelfth hole is a beautiful downhill par three. The tee shot will be with a mid to long iron. There are five deep bunkers around the bowl-shaped green. The deep bunkers on either side of the green make the task trickier, depending upon the flagstick’s position. The shot plays a full club less going down to the hole.

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13 Hole th

Par 5 / 505 yards

reachable par five with tall fescue down the right side of the hole. Avoid the deep bunkers left and right of the fairway at the top of the hill. The penalty area on the left can come into play off the tee. This hole has many hills and valleys and its rolling and side-tilt fairway offers the most challenging stances. For the player laying up for their second shot, it’s best to lay back 60 yards to avoid the fairway bunker on the left. The smallish double-tiered green is well guarded by the left greenside bunker, but has an opening in the front. The player who makes the mistake of being long will find more trouble than he can imagine behind this green.

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14 Hole th

Par 4 / 403 yards

his is one of the most beautiful holes on the course. There are three fairway bunkers that frame the left side of the hole beyond the ravine. Long hitters will be tempted to rip a driver over the ravine, a carry of 255 yards that, if successful, leaves only a 90 to 100 yard wedge to the green. This is a classic risk and reward hole. But if the shot doesn’t come off as planned, the woods on the right side will catch your errant tee shot. The right fairway bunker at the top of the hill will challenge the longest hitters. A fairway wood or a long iron off the tee can be a wise decision. The second shot plays a half a club longer because of the elevation. This is the smallest green so it is quite a feat to hit in regulation. The left greenside bunker is quite deep and the right side of the green drops off. New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 61

15 Hole th

Par 3 / 170 yards

creek goes along the right side of this par three. The tee shot will be a mid-to-long iron. It’s very tough to read the wind because of a bank of trees that protect the right side. There are two greenside bunkers that catch the short shots. This green is very tricky with a slight double-tiered putting surface and to make matters worse it is the smallest par three green but it will have some wonderful hole locations.

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16 Hole th

Par 4 / 405 yards

his hole has a completely blind tee shot. The contoured fairway snakes around the cross bunker at the top of the hill. Beyond the hill lies fairway bunkers that are staggered left and right. The fairway bunker on the left over the hill will come into play for most tee shots. The best play from the tee is down the left center of the fairway. The hole is also protected with woods on the left and out of bounds on the right. Your second shot will have to contend with the winding water hazard in front of the green that has a way of catching the slightly mis-hit shots. Long is no good because of the tall fescue grass. The putting green is small and double-tiered. New York State Men’s Amateur Championship | 63

17 Hole th

Par 4 / 395 yards

he seventeenth is the signature hole, known as much for its treachery as its beauty. Players must guard against the deep fairway bunker on the left and the two enormous bunkers beyond. There is out of bounds along the entire right side of the hole and tall fescue on the left which must be avoided if you don’t want to lose your golf ball. The approach plays longer than it looks from the fairway. If you don’t play enough club and come up short, your ball will roll down the hill fifteen yards or more leaving you a treacherous pitch to one of the most intimidating putting surfaces on the course. Matt Stasiak played this shot mastefully en route to capturing the 2013 NYS Men’s Amateur title.

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18th Hole Par 4 / 418 yards

ff the tee, the two deep fairway bunkers that guard the left side must be avoided. The best line off the tee is directly at the clubhouse flagpole. The long fairway bunker on the right side could be reachable for the longest hitters. Finding the sand or rough off the tee greatly cuts the chances of hitting the green in regulation. The green, which slopes left to right, presents a difficult up and down. This was the pivotal hole in the 2013 championship and is likely to once again be drama filled.

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Schuyler Meadows Club, 1929

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Onondaga Golf & Country Club, Host of the 99th NYS Men’s Amateur 72 | New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

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THANK YOU

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO SCHUYLER MEADOWS CLUB Thank you to all those involved who helped the NYSGA organize the 98th New York State Men’s Amateur Championship

Steve Jensen PGA Professional

Jeffrey Joedicke Course Superintendent

Mike Rezey General Manager

Colleen Reichl Financial Controller

John Puig Green Chair

David Hayes Event Coordinator

Brad Lancaster Food and Beverage Manager

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GOLF IN NYS We’d like to recognize our fellow regional golf associations in New York State for the exceptional work they do in promoting the game of amateur golf.

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