Vergiith Holds on to Win 77th MGA Senior Amateur
GLEN HEAD, NY-Douglas Vergith of St. George’s G& CC didn’t waste any time introducing himself to his fellow senior peers. The 55-year-old, playing in his first MGA senior event, captured the 77th MGA Senior Amateur Championship at Glen Head Country Club in Glen Head, NY, by one shot over a very competitive field.
After a solid opening round two-over-par 73 in what turned out to be treacherous morning conditions, Vergith followed up with another 73, holding off a group that included Richard Hanington (74-74=148) of Wheatley Hills and former British Senior Open Amateur champion John Baldwin of Meadow Brook, whose 72 included a back nine 33 with birdies on holes 10, 15 and 17 to get within one shot of the lead. However, Baldwin’s bid fell short when Vergith’s six-footer fell in for par on the last hole clinching victory, capping two days of solid putting.
“I’ve been putting poorly lately, but after putting the greens here I had little trouble getting it on line, which certainly helps when trying to make putts,” he said.
Defending champion Stephen Rose of Fresh Meadow, who started the day five shots off the lead after a disappointing opening round 78, came back with a solid one under par 70, the low score for the tournament, to finish two shots back at 148.
The starting field of 193 was cut to 26 players (top 20 and ties) after Tuesday’s first round action. Individual awards were also given to those golfers who place first and second in their respective age brackets following the first round.
A complete list of the final results is attached. Live scoring was provided by the USGA’s TPP RealTime system. For more information contact Tommy Dee or Gene Westmoreland of the MGA at (914) 347-GOLF or visit the MGA website @ www.mgagolf.org.
