Tournament Champions
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The New Jersey/Philadelphia chapter hosted its inaugural event at the Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. With a massive field of 93 players, on a gorgeous sunny day with the “threat” of a total eclipse. Players were chomping at the bit to get on that first tee. The par 70 course boasts one of the most famous holes in the Metropolitan area: the 18th hole island green. A. W. Tillinghast has been named one of the great golf course architects by Golf Magazine. He is world renowned for designing Baltusrol, Bethpage Black, Winged Foot, and Quaker Ridge. Shack’s famous 18th Hole was voted one of the most intimidating par-4’s in the Metropolitan area by Met Golfer Magazine. The legendary Ben Crenshaw actually flew in by helicopter to play this formidable hole. Shackamaxon has been a strong supporter of tournament play in the Metropolitan area, hosting the prestigious Cavalcade of Golf in 1955, the NJ State Open (1922, 1925, 1937, 1972 and 2002), the NJ State Amateur (1924, 1977) and the NJ Senior State Open (2009).
In Division 1, Dan Ayars blazed through the front nine with an impressive 34, catapulting himself into a thrilling three-stroke lead over George Stienmetz at the turn! But that was just the beginning of his epic journey. With unstoppable momentum, Dan unleashed three sensational birdies on the back nine, finishing with a jaw-dropping 1-under 69! His incredible performance propelled him right back into the Winner’s Circle.
In Division 2, This was a nail-biting affair with Ed Kochanek from the NY Metro chapter emerging victorious with a score of 75! It was a close call as Ed needed just one stroke to pass Mark Monkhouse’s score of 76 to clinch the title. Mark took home a solid 2nd place finish, but it was David Ayars, David Rosenberg, and John Sanginari all tied for 3rd place with 77 each. David Ayars made a valiant attempt to capture the lead by posting two birdies on the back nine, but it just wasn’t enough to catch up with Ed. Meanwhile, John Sanginari played a near-perfect back nine with just 1-over par, adding more excitement to the tournament.
In Division 3, The golf course was buzzing with excitement as Rich Stack and John Eastlack battled it out in a nail-biting finish. Rich emerged as the champion, firing an impressive 79 and securing a one-stroke victory over John, who finished in solo 2nd place. It was a close call as both players gave it their all, but Rich’s steady hand and nerves of steel helped him clinch the title. Not far behind were Steve Winnick and Kevin O’Hea, finishing in 3rd place with impressive scores of 81 each, adding to the thrill of the tournament. And who can forget Larry Barber, who continued to put up a good fight throughout the tournament, finishing in 5th place with an impressive score of 82. It was an unforgettable tournament, with every player showcasing their skill and passion for the game.
In Division 4, As two titans battled it out in a tournament for the ages. John Sans finished with a score of 85, becoming the first to reach the clubhouse, but he had to watch the leaderboard with bated breath as David Neder made a valiant effort to take the lead, hole by hole. David reached the 18th hole, needing only a par to clinch the win. But the golf gods had other plans, and David bogeyed the hole, finishing with an 85 as well, sending both players into a thrilling playoff for first place. John and David paired off on the first hole, with tension thick in the air. John showed his mettle, coming through with a par to take the win over David, who bogeyed the hole. It was a moment of pure elation for John, who had fought long and hard for the victory. Matthew Percia put up a valiant effort, but came up just shy by one stroke, finishing in 3rd place with an impressive score of 86. Not far behind were Brandt Cullen and Bryan Duong, who had their own battle going on, ultimately tying for 4th place with equally impressive scores of 88. It was a tournament that showcased the very best of golf, with players pushing themselves to their limits and fighting for every stroke
In Division 5, Chris Cammarata faced the challenge that lay before him. At the turn, he was down by a whopping seven strokes, with Peter Kratzel leading the way with a score of 40 while Chris was trailing behind with a 47. But Chris refused to give up, and he came back with a vengeance on the back nine, scoring a 46 and giving him a final score of 93 – just enough to surpass our three-way tie for 2nd place. Illyas Sawari, Peter Kratzel, and Michael Clemenko all scored impressive 94s, but it was Chris who stole the show with his incredible comeback. An honorable mention to RanJan Khan who holed an impressive eagle on the par 4 -11th hole.
In Open Net, Dan Ayars, John Eastlack, Kevin Ohea all shot an impressive 2-under par 68 making for a nail biting 3-way tie for 1st in the Open Net competition. However, John took the trophy with the better of back nine card.
Senior Net, David Neder took the trophy by scoring a whopping 4-under 66. Right on his tail were Ed Kochanek, and Mark Monkhouse with 3-under 67’s. Not far behind with a two-way tie for 4th, George Steinmetz, and Rich Stack both with 2-under 68’s.
From here, the tour moves to the home of the LPGA Shoprite Classic at Seaview Bay Course on Sunday April 21st. This is a gem of a course with Atlantic City in the back ground, it will be a true test to one’s skills. Upcoming events include, Black Bear golf Course (Part of the Crystal Springs Resort) on May 5th, and another members-favorite at Echo Lake Country Club on May13th.
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New for 2023, players have the ability to become a Folds of Honor Partner! Your membership includes everything in Player Badge plus a $75 donation to Folds of Honor; a nonprofit organization that helps provide the families of fallen and disabled service members educational scholarships. As a Folds of Honor Partner, you ALSO get access to exclusive special events, access to purchase cobranded APT/FOH swag and an exclusive discount for the APT Pro shop.
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