High Bridge Hills Golf Club in High Bridge, NJ hosted the GOLFWEEK Amateur Tour (Philly Metro) on Saturday May 23rd, 2015. Thirty-six tour players in five flights competed on a sunny and breezy afternoon on the challenging golf course. High Bridge Hills Golf Club, which dates from 1999, was designed by Mark A. Mungeam, of the Geoffrey Cornish Design firm. The par 71, 6,641 yard golf course, owned by the town of High Bridge, provides golfers an authentic true-links layout on spectacular terrain overlooking the Spruce Run Reservoir. Elevation changes are aplenty, including the dramatic Par 3 8th hole with a tee-to-green drop of nearly 100 feet over a natural gorge. Several holes feature uphill "blind" tee shots, making local knowledge a premium.
In the CHAMP Flight, veteran member Kyle Mazza (41-39, 80) claimed his first CHAMP Flight title on tour with a two-stroke victory over Albie Sanguiliano (37-45, 82). Kyle became the 1st player on the Philly Metro Tour to post a victory in every flight. Way to go, Kyle! The CHAMP Flight played from 6,571 yards
The A Flight victory went to Bob Hobson, who claimed his 2nd GWAT Philly Metro title with a fine round of 79 (38-41) to post a two-stroke victory over Michael Dupree (37-44, 81). Bob birdied the opening Par 5 1st hole to get his round off to a fast start. The A Flight also played 6,571 yards.
In the B Flight, new member Tom Brennan (39-41, 80), playing in the final group claimed a one-stroke victory over a trio of players for his 1st GWAT title. Kevin Cockerham (42-39, 81), Jim Boyce (41-40, 81) and Jon DeMinico (40-41, 81) were all getting ready for a playoff when Brennan returned his score. 2nd place went to Cockerham on a match-of-cards; Boyce took 3rd place. The B Flight course was 6,294 yards.
The C Flight champion was Brian Ganley (42-45, 87) who coasted to an eight-stroke victory over Dave Neder (46-49, 95). Ganley almost holed-out his tee shot on the downhill Par 3 4th hole. This was Ganley's 1st GWAT title. The C Flight played from 6,034 yards.
In the D Flight, Philly Metro Director Jeff A. Brodsky (43-44, 87) claimed his 1st GWAT title with a runaway victory over Denis Cockerham (49-56, 105). The D Flight also played from 6,034 yards.
The event raised $75.00 for the GOLFWEEK Amateur Tour’s charity partner, Stand Up 2 Cancer. Special thanks to Head Golf Professional Jay Palmer and his staff at High Bridge Hills for their help with the golf tournament. The golf course was in excellent condition, a fun test of golf.
The GWAT Philly Metro returns to Running Deer Golf Club in Pittsgrove, NJ on Saturday June 13, 2015. This Ed Carmen design was a tournament venue in the 2013 season. Hope to see you there!