First Posted: 8/6/2013
Harding resident Lou Belgio teamed with Scott Francis Aug. 2-4 to win the title of the Potentate Tournament at Irem Temple Country Club.
Belgio and Francis were among the top 16 teams out of 76 in qualifying on the first day to make the 16-team, match-play championship flight in the better-ball event.
The first title for the team came after four straight wins in matches they closed out with either two or three holes remaining. Belgio-Francis defeated three-time champions Jim Blinn-Brian Corbett, 3 and 2, in the final.
Blinn-Corbett led by one hole until Belgio-Francis won three straight from 4 to 6.
Belgio produced the only birdie by either team on the front nine when he rolled in a putt from the lowel level of the two-tiered green on the par-4, sixth.
“I’ve never made that putt before,” Belgio said. “I’ve had that putt so many times, but it’s so hard to read.”
Belgio-Francis won three straight holes again from 9 through 11. They led by five holes until Blinn-Corbett fought to extend the match by winning 13 through 15 on consecutive birdies.
A birdie by Francis at 16 secured the title.
Matthews to
begin quest
Greater Pittston native Brandon Matthews will be playing in the 113th U.S. Amateur Championships held at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., home of the 1999 Ryder Cup and the 1988 U.S. Open.
Matthews has said previously he likes a match play format. But he’ll have to get through the first two stroke play rounds, which begin on Monday, Aug. 12. Charles River Country Club will hold the first two stroke-play rounds. Matthews is set to tee off on the Charles River course at 7:40 a.m.
In a USGA amateur Championship, there are two days of stroke play qualifying to determine exactly the 64 players who will make it to match play. The “Match Play Tree” is then established – much like a tennis tournament or NCAA basketball – and players are seeded according to how they played during stroke play.
Match play is a competition played by holes rather than total strokes for the round. In USGA amateur Championships, two opponents play against each other and while there may be other players on the course, each group is its own match and has nothing to do with the rest of the field. The winners of each match keep advancing until there is only one player left. With 64 players, this occurs after 6 matches.
Red Mill retains
Emanon lead
Red Mill remained in first place by defeating the second place O’Connor Plumbing team 2-1 as Mike Lazevnick had a two-under 32 and Rick Mazar shot 33 to lead the Mill. Tom Kerrigan had a 2-under 32 highlighted by a hole-in-one on hole No. 4.
Bryan Construction defeated Ashley machine 2-1 with Gary Rosencrans and Thomas McCafferty leading the winners with 40 apiece. Len Coleman led Ashleys with even par 34.
Selenski Insurance defeated Powers 2-1 with Rick Laneski (35) and Mike Champi (36) leading Selenskis. Frank Licata had 38 for Powers.
Cookies Travelers defeated State Roaders 2-1 with Bob Stott (35) and Pat Kerrigan (39) leading the winners. Joe Dietrick had 36 for State Road.