GREENWICH, CT. (August 13, 2024) – Carl Alexander of Golf Club of Purchase can now lay claim to half of all Westchester Senior Open Championships. Already the winner of the inaugural Senior Open at Pelham Country Club, Alexander captured the 4th Westchester Senior Open Championship presented by Lexus at Round Hill Club. He beat Frank Bensel of Century Country Club in a sudden-death playoff to bring home hardware.
After a long 18 holes of golf and two playoff holes, Alexander had a chance to shut the door on Bensel with a 25-foot birdie putt.
“Looking at that putt, it’s hard not to say to yourself, all right, let’s end this thing right here. But, just breathe in, try to stay relaxed and make a good stroke,” said Alexander.
Make a good stroke he did, as the golf equivalent of nothing but net puts into picture Alexander’s winning putt. Bensel gave Alexander a breath of life after missing a championship birdie putt of his own on the first playoff hole. Alexander finished the day shooting a 1-under-70, as did Bensel.
On his way to victory, consistency was the key for Alexander. He only carded one bogey on the day, staying at or under par on every other hole he played. Growing up on blind courses himself, Alexander knew coming in he would have an advantage launching balls over the trees.
“The golf course sets up really well for me. I like blind shots, and I like having to aim at trees and hit over hills,” said Alexander. “I grew up at Westchester Country Club and played everywhere around here. I knew it was going to be tough for other people because they couldn’t see the golf course, but I like that kind of golf.”
Alexander scored birdies on holes 2 and 9, but it was his driver allowing him to do so. Straight, strong and smooth would accurately describe his shots from the tee box throughout the day.
“I drove in about every fairway today. I hit the ball really solid, and I only missed two greens today,” said Alexander.
Morgan Gregory of Glenarbor Golf Club and David Schuster of Sleepy Hollow Country Club tied for third both shooting an even 71. The 2022 Westchester Senior Open champion Shaun Powers of Fairview Country Club rounded out the top five finishing with a 1-over-72.
