Links Golf Club in Marlton, NJ hosted the GOLFWEEK Amateur Tour (Philly Metro) on Saturday June 16th, 2012. Thirty-two tour players in five flights competed on a bright and sunny afternoon on a narrow tree-lined golf course. Links Golf Club, which dates from 1976, was designed by Englishman Frederick Hawtree. There is nothing artificial or contrived about the golf course; it meanders through the forest and wetlands, with well-bunkered, small push-up putting surfaces. The tour welcomed new A Flight member Kai Kurylak to his first event.
In the Championship Flight, Mitch Kato secured his first victory on the GOLFWEEK Amateur Tour with a round of 8-over par 80 (40-40) during the regulation 18 holes. Andrew Neal tied Kato at 80 (36-44) with a round that included 4 birdies. Kato won the playoff on the 1st hole with a Par 4.
The A Flight victory went to Albie Sanguiliano, his second consecutive tournament victory on the GOLFWEEK Amateur Tour. Albie’s round of 82 (40-42) included three birdies; he birdied the first two holes of his round! Two players were tied one stroke back at 83. John DiValentino (41-42) edged out Dave Upchurch (38-45) on a match of cards for 2nd place.
In the B Flight, Jon DeMinico bested Jim Boyce by 3 strokes to win the trophy. Jon’s round of 83 (40-43) included 2 birdies, including one on the difficult Par 3 8th hole over the pond. Boyce’s round of 86 (40-46) included one birdie. The difficult back-nine proved to be Boyce’s undoing. Welcome to Jay Barnica, who placed 3rd with an 89 (44-45); Jay has joined our tour from the Triad Tour.
The C Flight champion Steve Mumford posted a 5 stroke victory for his first GOLFWEEK Amateur Tour win. Mumford shot a fine round of 83 (42-41) to beat Max Lamberto, who carded an 88 (43-45). Visiting Metro NY tour member Ignacio Casares was another 4 strokes back at 92 (48-44).
In the D Flight, there was another first-time winner in David Cooey, who battled Ken Wilson all afternoon for the title. Cooey’s 98 (52-46) nipped Wilson by 1-stroke. The tournament came down to the last hole, when Wilson (99, 47-52) made triple-bogey to miss-out on a playoff.
The event raised $75.00 for the GOLFWEEK Amateur Tour’s charity partner, Stand Up 2 Cancer. Special thanks to Head Golf Pro David Quinn and his staff at Links Golf Club for treating our players as "members for the day" – it was a truly memorable golf experience.
The tour moves on to Radley Run Country Club, in the horse-farm country near West Chester, PA. This exclusive private course designed by Alfred H. Tull opened in 1965. Come out and enjoy this beautiful country club on June 30th, 2012.
SKINS & CTP 06-16-12
Hole #1 – Albie Sanguiliano (Birdie “3”)
Hole #5 – Dave Upchurch (Birdie “3”)
Hole #7 – Joe Foley (Birdie “4”)
Hole #9 – Kevin Cockerham (Birdie “3”)
Hole #13 – Tracy Hodge (Birdie “4”)
Hole #16 – Christopher Moore (Birdie “3”)
Skins paid $50.00 each
CTP #4 – Kyle Mazza 17’ 5”
CTP #8 – John DiValentino 7’ 7”
CTP #14 – Rich Passarella 13’ 2”
CTP #17 – Ken Wilson 15” 4”
CTP paid $38.00 each