Dobyns Claims Third Career Long Island Open Title
LOCUST VALLEY, N.Y. (June 6, 2024) - Matt Dobyns of Meadow Brook won the 100th Long Island Open Championship Presented By Stifel Thursday, carding a final round 4-under 66. He outlasted Jay Card of Gardiner’s Bay by one shot, who recorded an 8-under 62 in the final round at Piping Rock Club.
“I managed the shots that I missed quite well,” said Dobyns. “I didn’t miss it in any places that brought bogey and double into play - and you can do that very easily here, especially when it's firm and fast like it was during the first two rounds.”
Dobyns jump-started his final round on the par-5 sixth, rolling in an eagle putt after a phenomenal approach. He then made birdie on the par-4 seventh, reaching 10-under par for the championship.
“I got lucky with the lie, I got lucky with the number, and I hit a hybrid to five feet for eagle to a back pin, which, I could stand there all day and not do that again,” said Dobyns, recounting his sixth hole.
Just a few groups ahead, Jay Card began his charge. He birdied seven of his first twelve holes to put himself squarely in the mix. He later made birdies on 16 & 18 to reach 10-under par for the championship. His birdie on the par-4 18th put him in a tie for first with Dobyns, who was then finishing on 16 green.
“I knew the next two holes I was going to have opportunities if I executed like I generally do,” said Dobyns about his mindset entering 17 and 18. “I made one more birdie on 17, and 18 was just a matter of making a good pass at it off the tee, getting it on the green and two putting.”
And he did just that. He knocked his approach onto the 18th green and two-putted to claim the 100th Long Island Open. Dobyns finished the three-day championship with a score of -11/199. This is his third career Long Island Open win.
“You know, I’m 46-years old. I last won this event back in 2013, so, you never know when your last win is going to come,” said Dobyns reflecting on his week. “I’m really thrilled that I got this win and I’m really going to cherish it forever.”
Jay Card finished in solo second at 10-under par, one shot back of Dobyns. Danny Balin of Fresh Meadow finished in third at 7-under par. Tyler Gerbavsits finished fourth at 5-under par, and the only other player to finish the championship under par was Matthew Lowe of Bethpage, who finished at 4-under par and claimed low-amateur honors.
Piping Rock Club welcomed the Long Island Open for just the second time, previously doing so in 1965 when Tom Nieporte captured the title. It’s classic C.B. Macdonald always proves to be a stern test for the region’s top players, especially when delivering firm, fast conditions. The 101st Long Island Open will be played at Rockaway Hunting Club in Lawrence, NY.