WEST CALDWELL, N.J. - Mike Gilmore quietly came from behind and posted a final round four-under par 67 to capture his first Met Open Championship, sponsored by Met Life, today at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, N.J. The 35-year old head professional at Wheatley Hills Golf Club on Long Island compiled a six-under par 54 hole total of 207 (70-70-67) to edge out two-time Walker Cup team member Jerry Courville Jr. of Shorehaven.

Gilmore carded five birdies to go along with only one bogey by “sticking to his game plan” and hitting a lot of fairways and greens. “It was finally nice to break through. To come out on top against all these great players, this is definitely the highlight of my career,” the father of six said afterwards. When asked how he would celebrate his $21,000 victory, the Flushing native uttered, “I have to get back to the club for our member-guest. I think I’ll start by celebrating with them.”

After claiming the first round lead with a 67 on Tuesday, Courville came back to the field after shooting 72 on Wednesday. His final round 68 left the 1995 U.S. Mid-Amateur champ still in search of his first Met Open title. Only one shot separated Courville from becoming only the fifth amateur to win the nations oldest regional open championship. “I played well all week, but I just hit a couple of bad iron shots down the stretch. But I’m excited about next week,” said the 41-year old, who will compete in next weeks U.S. Amateur at nearby Baltusrol GC. 

Three-time New York State Open champion P.J. Cowan of Eisenhower Park and 1992 Met Open champ Mark Mielke of Mill River (N.Y.), each earned $9,000 for placing third. Host professional and 1997 champ Mike Burke Jr. finished tied for fourth with Michael Laudien of Glen Oaks.