Bataille Wins Rain-shortened MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship
Greenwich, CT- Jason Bataille, of Plainfield West shot a two-under-par 69 to claim a one stroke victory at today’s rain-shortened MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship at Griffith E. Harris GC in Greenwich, CT. Bataille’s 69 was just enough to hold off Kyle Moran of Griffith E. Harris, who’s strong back nine 32 on his home course earned him solo second place. Rockland County and NYC Amateur Champion Peter Meurer of Silver Lake, Dennis Lynch of TPC of Bethpage, Tarik Can of Bethpage, and Nick Desai of Royce Brook all finished at even-par 71, two shots behind Bataille.
The normal 36-hole event was shortened to 18 holes due to inclement weather as the golf course was deemed unfit to play the afternoon round. For Bataille, the timing of his last hole could not have been more perfect. As it turned out, the rain was so intense that he walked up to his 25 foot birdie putt with aspirations of two putting, getting in the house at one-under-par and taking his chances. Instead, he took no time in stroking the putt. His line and speed were perfect and the ball fell in the hole clinching a one-stroke victory.
“I really took no time at all in lining the putt up, I really just wanted to get out of the rain,” the 21-year-old said. “That’s kind of how my day went, when I didn’t think things went well.”
The victory earns Bataille a spot in the Met Amateur which will be played at The Stanwich Club, in Greenwich, CT August 5th –8th. Defending Champion Ralph Alfieri of Darlington finished tied for 38th with a 78 (39-39).
For more information contact Tommy Dee or Gene Westmoreland of the MGA at (914) 347-GOLF or visit the MGA website @ www.mgagolf.org.
