Zahringer Captures His Fourth "IKE" MGA Stroke Play Championship Presented by Canon, USA
Scarsdale, N.Y.- George Zahringer III of Deepdale captured his fourth “Ike” Championship at Quaker Ridge Golf Club, pulling away from a strong field of Met Area amateurs. For the second straight year the championship was presented by Canon USA. The 51 year-old, nine-time MGA Player of the Year admittedly enjoys playing the Tillinghast gem, having won the prestigious Hochster Memorial six times, an event played annually at Quaker Ridge.
“I’ve always had a lot of success on this golf course, it’s been very good to me,” Zahringer said. “I feel very comfortable here, it really fits my eye.”
Zahringer held off a strong but late effort from Andrew Svoboda of Winged Foot who finished alone in second place after firing an even par 70 to finish at 214 seven shots back.
Tyler Hall of Darlington, winner of last week’s Hochster Memorial, had another strong showing, finishing in third place with a 217 total (72-71-74).
First round co-leader Brendan Tracy of National Golf Links struggled with a final round 77 but found himself in the final group after a second round 73.Despite being some thirty-five years younger than Zahringer, Tracy, winner of last year’s MGA Carter Cup, more than held his own.
Zahringer added to his three-stroke lead early on in the third round and never looked back. He made birdies on 1, 2 and 4 on his way to a front nine 33 giving him a six stroke lead heading into the final nine holes.
Zahringer will be returning to the area for the Met Amateur July 5-8 at The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, CT the site of his 2002 U.S. Mid-Amateur championship.
First round co-leader Tim Connors of Westchester faltered in the second round but earned an exemption to next year’s championship by finishing in the top 10 with a 69-79-73=221 finish.
Zahringer also combined with Peter Van Ingen of Deepdale to capture the Ike Team Championship title, which is awarded to the two players from the same club who have the lowest 54-hole combined score.
A complete list of today’s results is attached. For more information contact Tommy Dee or Gene Westmoreland of the MGA @ (914) 347-GOLF or visit the MGA website at www.mgagolf.org.
